Thought provoking talks, a champagne reception and a live performance from Elvis marked the opening of the degree show at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) last week where almost 300 new creative graduates launched themselves into the world.

It all kicked off on Thursday morning with a series of talks from newly appointed honorary professors Martin Boyce (Turner Prize winner), Richard Banks (interactive designer at Microsoft), Philip Long (Director of the V&A at Dundee) and Helen Storey (science based fashion designer). I was entranced for the whole day by enlightening, entertaining, poetic and poignant issues: finding beauty in the mundane and desolate; ethnographic approaches to digital legacies; exciting new plans for documenting UK design history and changing the world through scientific fashion… lots of food for thought to set the scene for the show ahead.

This was followed by the champagne reception for Associates and graduating students where Art, Philosophy and Contemporary Practices student Matthew Corden (aka Elvis Presley) gave an entertaining performance of the ‘Wonders of DoJ’ and got everyone in the mood to celebrate all the hard work that had gone into making the show.

Lorraine Kelly, Matthew Corden as Elvis Presley and Tom Inns, Dean of DJCAD

Colour-coded arrows navigate you through the network of studio corridors and departments, there’s a lot to see so here’s a few favourites to whet your appetite.

I may be a little textiles biased as I teach on the course, but as it’s the final year of weave in the DJCAD undergraduate programme I feel the students deserve a special mention:

Micheala Millar receiving an award for innovation from the Dundee Weavers Incorporation

Micheala Millar’s research driven project investigated childhood mental health and the benefits of play, her final collection being aimed at encouraging age-appropriate play and curiosity in children. Glow-in-the-dark yarns, marbles trapped in between transparent double cloths, 3-dimensional woollies and laser cut neons attract the attention of all the biggest kids (yes that includes me!).

Ashleigh Slater has designed an interactive workshop setting to encourage people to get involved in the craft of weaving, learn about its history and heritage and connect by incorporating web technology and platforms for discussion. He has a loom set up in the studio so come along and have a go!

Sarah Mowbray’s collection of scarves aims to raise awareness of the destruction of coral reefs due to climate change, Jaqui Page’s trend driven collection fits in with this seasons catwalk and Sarah Mitchell has brought the colours of the city to life, translating dull grey architecture with 3-dimensional structures, transparent layers and a painterly palette of colours.

Other textiles projects to check out include Sheonagh Galls’ colour changing ‘hot seat’ as a response to the effects of pollution, Helen Whithams’ modern Shetland knitwear, Paula Batchelors’ tactile take on braille and Beverley Curries’ handcrafted menswear… and many more!

And while Elvis has brought flamboyant performances to the Art, Philosophy and Contemporary Practices department, Interior and Environmental Design also has a touch of the theatrical; Ross Lesslies’ show involved holding a 3 night performance of a comedy theatrical performance- ‘Into the Woods’ – in Dundee’s Botanic Gardens; model cows, parts of the set and videos of the performance provide an interactive display of his process.

Fiona Sichis’ work applies in depth research on the movement of people through cities to the upcoming Olympics in London, while Kirsty Braes has explored ways to prevent alcohol related crime in busy city centres and Karen Lyttle aims to highlight Dundee’s creative craft and design communities to the locals.

In Jewellery and Metal Design, similarly topical issues are being addressed. Mairi Burrows’ delicate looking work explores aspects of dementia and the fragility of the human mind, while Sally Fentons’ colourful pieces combine 3D digital printing with sentimental heirlooms to preserve memories. I was also thrilled to be invited to touch Jane McAlindens’ work- made using rubber buttons from remote controls- deliciously tactile, they’re asking to be played with!

There’s a huge amount more work, from Graphic Design student Catriona MacIver encouraging laughter, Digital Interaction designer Peter Ananins’ sensory biopods for monitoring ecosystems and Harriette Yarringtons’ intensely embroidered but incredibly delicate bird skulls. There’s even a goldfish sketching in a boat.

All in all, themes of community, craft and our relationship with our environment run throughout the show, with a hint of the bizarre and theatrical! Come along and explore for yourself!

The show is open until Sunday 27th May, more info here.