Back in 1829, Robert Stephenson built the Rocket steam locomotive in buildings beside the Tyne. Around him, North East England was the fiery, noisy cradle of the Industrial Revolution. Right now, those same buildings are the base for another revolution. Designs of the time (Dott) will focus on the Creative Revolution. Less noisy than its predecessor (but in its own way, equally hot) Dott 07 is mobilising design to capture the spirit of the age.
The first of a series of biennial design promotions, the initiative is giving designers, businesses and public service providers the chance to engage with people to improve their lives through design. Dott 07 is already proving to be an inspiring, involving affair, provoking the people of the North East to appreciate the value and importance of design. Not that they need much encouragement, of course, as the region is already using design to create a dynamic regional economy.
Taking core themes such as school, community, health and the environment, Dott 07 is working with people to frame specific challenges as design opportunities. These will be the basis for projects that draw on the full range of design disciplines, including architecture, product, graphic, industrial and service design.
Dott 07 isn’t an elitist, ‘establishment’ event. Public design commissions involve real people in real places exploring how design can improve an aspect of their daily lives. In education, the programme is bringing school pupils, students, teachers and communities together to tackle collaborative projects.
To make Dott 07 happen we’re working closely with One NorthEast, the region’s development agency, along with a range of other regional, national and international organisations.
Throughout 2007, events in museums, galleries and festivals will examine the power and potential of design. The results of all the projects will be presented at October’s Dott 07 Festival, although we expect the North East to benefit well into the future.
Although the legacy from Dott 07 will be rather different from Stephenson’s Rocket, people are just as keen to get on board. From Stockton to Darlington, from Gosforth to Gateshead, we’re working industrially to sign up converts for the Creative Revolution.
What we’ve done
Launched Dott 07 in the North East, working with regional, national and international partners
What we’ll do next
Put Dott 07 in the national spotlight and lay the foundations for a successful Dott 09