Our Values

Proudly supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland (2019 – 2022)

What Is Fun A Day Dundee?
Dundee has been participating in the Fun-A-Day project since 2011, with a simple goal for the month of January: have fun!

Fun A Day Dundee is an inclusive, free project where anyone can join in to have fun, create art, embrace new or favourite hobbies, and connect with others. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, you’re welcome to participate. Throughout January, you can make anything you like each day (or when you can), and share it in a community exhibition. We celebrate creativity in all its forms and ensure a non-discriminatory, supportive environment. You can also join in solo, and not participate in the exhibition if you’d like to take part in your own mission from the sidelines!

The Fun A Day Challenge was originally created by the Artclash collective in Philadelphia. Now, you can join participants from cities like Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia, Portland, Los Angeles, and New York in this exciting event. Fun A Day might be the only one of its kind in the UK, possibly one of just two, and we warmly invite everyone to take part. You don’t need to be based in Dundee—the project is online, allowing you to enjoy it at your own pace. Stay connected with us and fellow participants through updates and the hashtag.

Fun A Day began as a way for artists to motivate each other, but it has grown to include a diverse range of participants. From artists to those who believe they aren’t creative at all, and from infants to adults, everyone has found their own unique way to engage. The variety of projects we’ve seen is truly inspiring. Participants have created everything from cereal art and monthly painting series to novel writing, art projects, dance routines, recycled material sculptures, photography, crochet, crafts, learning instruments, writing, and printing. The possibilities are endless, and it’s always amazing to see what unfolds over the month.

(Image: K Rolina Gibson)

You create and produce your project on your own terms, at your own pace each day (or as close to it as possible). Some participants choose to try something new, like learning an instrument, knitting, or taking up a new physical activity such as yoga. Fun A Day serves as a great motivator and the perfect excuse to achieve some goals or simply have fun. If you miss a day or two, don’t worry—it’s your project, and there are no strict rules. Don’t be discouraged from continuing.

After January, we hold a public showcase of the projects created. Participation in the exhibition is optional, but many participants find it to be the perfect conclusion to their efforts. It’s a fun and satisfying way to reflect on all that has been achieved in such a short time. This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for artists, non-artists, and people of all ages and backgrounds. Fun A Day brings people together and inspires creativity throughout the year, as well as inspiring those who come to view the exhibits.

(Image: Laura Galloway)

Frequently Asked Questions!

1. What Is Fun A Day Dundee? (FADD)

Fun A Day started in America, where artists encouraged each other to focus on personal projects throughout January to achieve their goals. Over time, it has welcomed non-artists and hobbyists and has made its way to Scotland! Here’s the concept:

• Pick a project to work on daily or weekly throughout January.
• Document and work on your project bit by bit over 31 days.
• Share your progress online and follow other participants.
• Achieve personal or artistic goals in a fun, supportive community.
• Participate in a group showcase (in-person or online) in the spring to celebrate the fun we had in January.

  Dundee has hosted FADD since 2011, growing each year with different artists volunteering to run it. We now reach over 100 participants in January, with nearly 100 exhibiting. Supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland (2019 – 2022), we provide paid opportunities, public activities, and additional community support beyond January.

   

• 2. Where Does FADD Take Place?

  We are based online. You can follow us on Instagram, Facebook and X. We keep in touch with our participants of the January project via email. Our social meets, workshops and skills shares take place in a variety of venues in Perth & Kinross, Angus, Dundee and online.

   

• 3. What Do I Do?
  You can do whatever you like in January! Focus on developing one thing (e.g. one painting), or jump from one hobby to another activity each day (e.g. photography one day, then doodling another, then reading a book.)

Here are some ideas for projects:
– Working on one painting or a series of paintings
– Focusing on a new hobby
– Working on a physical activity (sports, yoga, walking, dancing etc)
– Taking the time to play an instrument
– Reading a book/books
– Modelling/construction
– Writing
– Photography
– Digital design/film making
– Documenting every day life
– Playing with cereal (photos)
– Art with family
– Using waste (recycling) to make visual art
– Cooking
– Crochet/knitting
– Craft

 

• 4. Who Can Take Part?
  Anyone! FADD is free and open to all ages and backgrounds. Participants range from infants to seniors and include families, students, workers, and artists. FADD is a level playing field where everyone uses the project as an excuse to do something enjoyable.

   

• 5. Do I Have To Be In Dundee?
  No! We welcome participants from everywhere. While FADD started in Dundee, we’ve had participants from across the UK and even America.

   

• 6. When Does It Happen?
  FADD runs from January 1st to 31st. We understand life can be busy, so we’re relaxed about slow starts. Plan in advance if possible, and once you start, document your progress and share with the FADD community online using the official hashtag.

   

• 7. Do I Have To Share Online?
  Sharing is optional. Some participants post daily, some weekly, and others not at all. It’s your personal project, so share as much or as little as you like. If you prefer private updates, you can email us your progress.

   

• 8. Do I Have To Make Work Every Day?
  No. Each project and schedule is different. Setting small, achievable goals can help build towards a larger accomplishment. Some people aim for 20 minutes a day, while others may set aside more time less frequently.

   

• 9. Who Is FADD?
  Sam Sherriff has coordinated FADD since 2016 after participating in 2015. Sam loved the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and wanted to continue the tradition. FADD is run by a team and collaborates with participants, creatives, and communities each year. See here for behind the scenes.

   

• 10. How Do I Sign Up?
  Add your name and email to the 2025 Participant List here. It’s free, and signing up ensures you receive important information and helps us gauge numbers for exhibitions and funding.

   

• 11. What Is The FADD Exhibition?
  Each year, we showcase FADD projects in a fun and inspiring public exhibition. We aim to exhibit every project, including those with multiple pieces. The exhibition provides paid opportunities and voluntary roles where participants can perform, talk to visitors, and encourage others to create. In 2020 and 2021, we moved our showcase online. You can see these results by searching #FADD2020 and #FADD2021.

  If you’re interested in seeing more…

• Check out Participant Stories to hear experiences
• See photos of previous exhibitions
• Read testimonials
• Browse our press
• And check out FADDCreatives which was formed during the covid lockdown