Voxpop

The Scottish Executive is planning to test public support for a publicly-funded design festival in the country. Is there an appetite for such an event – and what form should it take?

The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Festival, held just a few months ago in Scotland, exceeded all expectations in terms of numbers visiting the city and the events, so we know there is a market for design-led events. The thinking behind the Six Cities scheme is to raise awareness and appreciation for Scottish design and its creative talent. It’s a booming industry, which people both at home and abroad should know about.
Aileen Geraghty, Managing director, 999 Design

What we need is a fresh recipe for ‘festival’.  A real festival must attract interaction between ‘creatives’ and a range of opinion-formers, from business or manufacturing. It can even be a lens for improving self-confidence, celebrating difference and north-of-the-border nous, and highlighting Scottish consultancies that use design skills to change the nature of their clients.
Professor Norman McNally, Visiting professor to Design, Manufacture and Engineering Management, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow