Festival of the Future
Our flagship festival programme that celebrates and enhances collaboration between science, art, and culture.
Festival of the Future is the University of Dundee’s flagship festival programme that celebrates and enhances collaboration between science, arts, and culture.
Our 5th edition of Festival of the Future will be live and in person from 11 – 15 October.
In 2023 our festival will mark the 75th anniversary of the National Health Service and explore the themes around a more caring and sustainable way of living and working.
- we will have around 50 events across 5 days in venues around the city
- we offer events for families and all ages including workshops, exhibitions, talks, walks and performances
- there will be free access for all to the Botanic Garden during the festival
The demand for our activities and the reputation the festival has developed have meant that we see year on year more people engaging and participating in festival activities.
Festival participants said
Festival attendee
Festival attendee
Events
Event
Saturday 1 April 2023, 09:00 - Sunday 14 January 2024, 17:00
Tartan celebrates the global story of a unique pattern - how the rules of the grid have inspired creativity from the everyday to the sublime.
Event
Wednesday 11 October 2023, 09:00 - Sunday 15 October 2023, 17:00
An exhibition of artworks by Janice Aitken celebrating colour and abstract form.
Event
Wednesday 11 October 2023, 09:00 - Sunday 15 October 2023, 17:00
What do you think of when you hear ‘TB’? Lots of people might think it’s a disease of the past – but in fact it’s one of the biggest killers in the world today.
Event
Wednesday 11 October 2023, 09:30 - Saturday 4 November 2023, 16:00
An exhibition exploring pattern in art, design and science.
Event
Wednesday 11 October 2023, 10:00 - 12:00
Join NEoN Digital Arts, as we create robots from recycled computer parts. For children aged 8 and over.
Event
Wednesday 11 October 2023, 10:00 - 10:30
30-minute sessions exploring mindfulness with art. For adults and over 14's
Event
Wednesday 11 October 2023, 10:45 - 11:15
30-minute sessions exploring mindfulness with art. For adults and over 14's
Event
Wednesday 11 October 2023, 11:30 - 12:00
30-minute sessions exploring mindfulness with art. For adults and over 14's
Event
Wednesday 11 October 2023, 13:00 - 15:00
Using electrical wires, plugs and usb ports, join us as we create necklaces, earrings and rings from E Waste. For children over 10.
Event
Wednesday 11 October 2023, 13:00 - Saturday 14 October 2023, 15:00
This breath-taking exhibition stems from time spent by the artists on two (w)ORD residencies together, on Mull in 2018, and at Tjuvika in Gulen, Norway in 2019.
Event
Wednesday 11 October 2023, 14:00 - 15:00
Join us for a Museum Mooch around the Hawkhill House to engage with arts and heritage in diverse ways and connect with others. For 14+ yrs
Event
Wednesday 11 October 2023, 17:30 - 19:00
Join us for practical workshop and discussion exploring the connections of body, mind and spirit. For adults.
Event
Thursday 12 October 2023, 09:00 - Sunday 15 October 2023, 17:00
Come along and visit our Resyke Robot exhibition where you will find robots made from recycled computer parts through NEoNs ‘ No room for E-waste" workshops.
Event
Thursday 12 October 2023, 10:00 - 11:00
Drop in to the Dundee Design House for learning about how the University supports to develop and advance healthcare
Event
Thursday 12 October 2023, 11:15 - 12:15
Join us to learn about a brand new facility at the University of Dundee exploring new ways to treat disease. For families and all ages.
Event
Thursday 12 October 2023, 12:30 - 14:00
This programme features a hearty soup and bread lunch with a thought provoking conversation about healthcare. For 14+
Event
Thursday 12 October 2023, 14:30 - 15:30
Join us for a game of Pickleball that's is enjoyed by everyone regardless of age or ability. Suitable for seniors
Event
Thursday 12 October 2023, 14:45 - 16:30
Get crafty with scientists from the University of Dundee. This event is designed for adults
Event
Thursday 12 October 2023, 17:45 - 19:00
Join us for a discussion about how the University's ideas can improve the lives of those living with disabilities. For adults and over 14's
Event
Thursday 12 October 2023, 19:30 - 21:45
We hope you can join us for this special screening of Allelujah which includes a post screening discussion focussing on the festival theme of care.
Event
Friday 13 October 2023, 10:00 - 11:30
Drop in to the Dundee Design House to learn about the work that the University of Dundee is doing to make a difference around environmental and sustainability challenges
Event
Friday 13 October 2023, 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for a tour of the Museum’s displays showcasing the history of pioneering medical research and practice in Dundee. For adults
Event
Friday 13 October 2023, 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for a de-stressing tour of artworks in Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, suitable for adults and over 14s
Event
Friday 13 October 2023, 12:30 - 13:30
Discover the magic of colourful shadows by creating you own collage inspired by Janice Aitken. For families.
Event
Friday 13 October 2023, 12:30 - 14:00
This programme features a hearty soup and bread lunch with a thought provoking conversation about our environment. For 14+
Event
Friday 13 October 2023, 13:00 - 15:00
The Immersion Room sessions will involve CPR training in a hospital environment. For families with children over 5.
Event
Friday 13 October 2023, 13:00 - 14:00
My Friend Selkie is a heart-warming story of friendship and facing challenges, together. For families and children over 3
Event
Friday 13 October 2023, 13:30 - 17:00
The University’s annual Culture Day is a stimulating mix of talks and presentations across a wide range of subjects united by a common theme
Event
Friday 13 October 2023, 14:15 - 15:15
Join us for a fun afternoon session of silent disco along the Waterfront with our wonderful instructors from ISE. For the whole family.
Event
Friday 13 October 2023, 14:15 - 15:30
Delve into the fascinating world of forensic science where the smallest details can make the greatest difference.
Event
Friday 13 October 2023, 14:30 - 16:30
Join us in hearing from local creative practitioners about how care presents itself in what they produce and the way they work. For adults.
Event
Friday 13 October 2023, 17:45 - 19:00
Whether you're a true crime enthusiast, history buff, or intrigued by the fusion of science and justice, this event has it all. For adults.
Event
Saturday 14 October 2023, 10:00 - 11:00
Learn how to preserve the beauty of nature through this hands-on workshop. Suitable for ages 14+ ,under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Event
Saturday 14 October 2023, 10:00 - 10:45
Join us on for a blissful morning of guided mindfulness and live music in the Botanic Gardens' star tent. For adults and over 14's.
Event
Saturday 14 October 2023, 11:00 - 13:00
Join us for some deep reflection and listening both to the world around us and ourselves. For adults and children over 14.
Event
Saturday 14 October 2023, 11:00 - 15:00
Playful Gardens is an inclusive family play day in the University’s beautiful Botanic Gardens.
Event
Saturday 14 October 2023, 11:30 - 12:30
Join us for a fun and interactive Wellbeing Crafting Session where we'll explore the art of Food Illustration. For adults and over 14's
Event
Saturday 14 October 2023, 13:00 - 15:00
This two hour creative workshop will allow you to showcase your own ideas for health futures. For children aged between 14-18.
Event
Saturday 14 October 2023, 13:00 - 15:00
Join us to find out whether Wall-E decides to join Eve for an adventure across the galaxy or stick with his mission to recycle! For all ages.
Event
Saturday 14 October 2023, 13:30 - 14:15
Come take your first steps of bachata in a fun, easy-going introductory dance class amongst the trees in the Botanic Gardens. For adults.
Event
Saturday 14 October 2023, 14:00 - 16:00
Visit this hidden gem to discover an amazing menagerie of animals from around the world!
Event
Saturday 14 October 2023, 14:30 - 15:15
This is an opportunity to try a specially designed yoga practice suitable for all levels, including beginners. For adults.
Event
Saturday 14 October 2023, 15:15 - 16:15
Join us to craft your own Mini Garden and create an ecosystem that you get to take home with you. For children over 8.
Event
Saturday 14 October 2023, 15:15 - 17:00
Get crafty with scientists from the University of Dundee. For children over 8, accompanied by an adult.
Event
Sunday 15 October 2023, 10:00 - 11:30
For children over the age of 8
Event
Sunday 15 October 2023, 12:00 - 14:00
Join our workshop to meet poet Giovanna McKenna and our team of scientists and discover what science and poetry may have in common. For 14+
Event
Sunday 15 October 2023, 14:30 - 15:30
Our storytellers will be weaving stories on the theme of Care for families with children aged 6 or older.
Event
Sunday 15 October 2023, 14:30 - 16:30
Chew over and meet researchers investigating the connection between the digestive system and mind. Age 16+
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