The Print Studio in Dundee Contemporary Arts continues the established tradition of the Dundee Printmakers Workshop (1977-98), providing facilities for the production of print based artworks by professional and amateur artists and members of the community in Dundee and the outlying regions.

The open access workshop provides equipment of diversity, range and scale unparalleled in the UK, for users of all ages with varying levels of expertise. The centre is funded by the Scottish Arts Council and Dundee City Council and is a charitable status organisation.

The Print Studio has many strands to its work which include:

Outreach and Education Programme - The Outreach and Education programme provides access to training and resources to help develop an understanding of contemporary print concepts, practices and techniques. It caters for community and special needs groups, schools and colleges, teachers and the general public.  

Classes for artists and the General Public - Members of the public who are curious about activities in the studio and would like to learn new skills, can enrol in one or more of an extensive range of evening and day classes. The classes explain the printmaking process through demonstration and hands on experience. They are also very useful for experienced artists who wish to learn a new skill. The ongoing programme of introductory classes and workshops are tailored to the varying skill levels of individuals, providing friendly technical support. On registering, users receive a Users Guide and Conditions of Usage and take part in an induction course which outlines operations systems relating to booking equipment, payment for use of the studio space and equipment, health and safety information and procedures, education and other opportunities.  

Artists’ at Work-Open Days - The studio organises open days, where registered users and visiting artists work over a range of print techniques and processes. Members of the public are invited into the studio to witness the entire print process, from fabrication of images to final printing.  

Classes for Children - There is an ongoing series of children’s classes that cover a wide range of simple print techniques. These normally operate during school holidays and at weekends. They are either held in the studio or the Atlantic Telecom activities room and cater for various age groups.  

Groups - Group requirements are agreed through consultation between the group leader and the Print Studio Manager.   Outreach programme The Print Studio Outreach programme allows participants to sample a print making experience in their own environment. The studio has portable equipment that can be taken to schools, colleges and community resources to provide workshops in those locations.  

Master Classes - More experienced printmakers can attend masterclasses. Guest artists and master printers are invited to deliver classes which allow printmakers to develop more sophisticated techniques in specific print media.  

Troubleshooting - Staff are always on hand for advice. Special ‘troubleshooting’ sessions are available when artists can highlight problems in their working techniques and get advice on specific areas of practice. The times for these sessions will be posted in the Print Studio.  

National and international artists - National and international artists are invited to work in the studio under the Visiting Artist Programme, the Artist Exchange Programme and the Publication Programme.   The contribution of these artists adds to the cultural activity of the Studio, develops links with other artists and organisations and introduces new methods and ideas.  

Artist Forums - The studio organises Artist Forums as discussion groups for registered users. These events cover a variety of topics such workshop practice, opportunities for artists and artist led initiatives. They are co-ordinated by the Print Studio Working Group which accepts suggestions for topics for discussion and sets the agenda.  

Artists’ Talks - The studio organises artists’ talks, demonstrations and seminars relative to and independent of the main DCA programme. Artists are identified and invited to speak by the Print Studio Working Group in consultation with the Artist Forum meetings. Events may be arranged ad hoc, when a surprise visitor or invited artist is encouraged to contribute to the cultural activity of the studio.  

Dundee University Visual Research Centre - The Print Studio works on collaborative projects with the University of Dundee Visual Research Centre. Details of access, equipment and charges for the VRC facility are available at reception.

See also Dundee Contemporary Arts and DCA Cinema