Dundee Design Festival secures funding boost for 2027 return

Dundee Design Festival is set to return in 2027 after securing support through Creative Scotland’s Expanded Festivals Fund.

The festival, one of Dundee’s flagship cultural events, is among 55 festivals across Scotland to benefit from a combined £5.7 million investment aimed at supporting ambitious programming, artistic development and audience growth over the coming years.

Creative Scotland announced that 27 festivals have received a share of £3.7 million in the latest round of funding, bringing the total investment through the Expanded Festivals Fund to £5.7 million. The programme is designed to help festivals experiment with new ideas, develop artists and creative professionals, and reach wider audiences across Scotland.

The funding will help ensure the return of Dundee Design Festival in 2027, continuing its role as one of Scotland’s leading celebrations of design, creativity and innovation. Since its launch, the festival has welcomed thousands of visitors to Dundee, showcasing work from designers, artists, makers and creative practitioners while reinforcing the city’s reputation as a UNESCO City of Design.

The announcement places Dundee alongside festivals across the country receiving support, from arts events in Dumfries and Galloway to cultural festivals in Orkney, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Scotland’s Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan said the investment would support innovative collaborations and commissions while creating economic and social benefits for communities throughout the country.

She said the funding recognises the invaluable role festivals play as platforms for artists and performers while helping strengthen Scotland’s cultural sector.

Creative Scotland’s Director of Arts and Engagement, Paul Burns, said the Expanded Festivals Fund was designed to boost the vital creative work carried out by festivals in every corner of Scotland.

He said the awards provide greater security for festivals, with some activity planned through to 2028, while supporting sector development, international collaboration and new programming initiatives.

For Dundee, the funding represents another significant vote of confidence in the city’s creative sector and will help pave the way for the next edition of Dundee Design Festival, bringing fresh ideas, exhibitions and experiences back to audiences in 2027.