Traditional art techniques from Moray will be the focus of a two-week conference to shape the future of creative industries across the world.
The winter school at the Glasgow School of Art’s (GSA) campus at the Altyre Estate near Forres will be one of the first events in the building following a £2.5million refurbishment.
Students from Asia and Europe will be among 100 delegates attending two weeks of workshops and lectures in January.
The event has been hailed as a demonstration of Moray taking its place on the world map of design and creativity.
Douglas Cowan, director of strengthening communities at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), is excited that the event is returning in 2017 following the inaugural sessions earlier this year.
He said: “GSA is at the cutting edge of design innovation and its global reputation ensures that both speakers and delegates from other parts of the world will be attracted to our region to learn and share international practices.
“HIE is delighted to have supported GSA to establish and grow its presence in the region and this winter school is another event that will help put our region on the world map for design innovation.”
Students from Singapore, the USA, Portugal and Italy are due to arrive in Moray in January for the classes.
Attendees have been invited to learn about life in the north of Scotland during their stay as part of a cultural exchange.
Classes will look at how traditional art and manufacturing methods from the region can be used to help solve modern day design issues.
Workshops and lectures during the winter school will be run in GSA’s new campus, which has been transformed from a 19th century steading. The new buildings are due to be officially opened next month after welcoming the first students in November.
Gordon Hush, acting director of GSA’s institute of design innovation, said: “Our first ever winter school was an ambitious initiative and we were delighted with its success.
“I’m particularly pleased that next year’s event will be taking place at the GSA’s new campus. It’s a truly spectacular place to hold the event.”
The winter school at GSA is running from January 16 to 27.
