Design Days Dubai launches this weekend for it's second year and we are collaborating with the Crafts Council to present a series of events as part of the exciting Design Days Dubai education programme. These events will offer a great opportunity to share ideas of contemporary design, craft and craftsmanship in Britain, with designers, students and the general public at the fair.

Panel discussion 'The Value of British Contemporary Craft' will explore the economic, cultural and social value of contemporary craft in Britain. The event will bring together leading experts from commercial, cultural and educational organisations. Chaired by Kevin Badni - Head of the Department of Art and Design at the American University of Sharjah speakers include Brent Dzekciorius - Director of DZEK; Dr Jana Scholze - Curator of Contemporary Furniture and Product Design at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Martin Smith - Professor of Ceramics & Glass at the Royal College of Art.

A series of short films will be screened daily providing an insight into the workings of a modern craft and explore the work, inspirations and processes of these contemporary makers.

For visitors keen to gain a practical understanding of design Max Lamb will host two workshops.  Using Max's own DIY Chair project as a inspiration. Each participant will be encouraged to make their own piece of DIY furniture using a single material and a simple method of construction to produce functional everyday furniture, creating their own design to take home at the end of the session.

Alongside the main Dubai Design Days programme glass artist Heather Gillespie will visit the American University of Sharjah to give a talk and workshops for students to try out copper-wheel and diamond-wheel glass engraving.

This programme of events complements the Crafts Council stand at Design Days Dubai, which presents a selection of leading UK commercial galleries: Gallery Libby Sellers, Gallery S O, Marsden Woo Gallery and Vessel Gallery. Collectively, the galleries will represent 18 highly skilled and collectible makers, exhibiting work ranging from metal objects and hand crafted furniture, to ceramics and glass sculpture.