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Innovation Studio

Sling Studio

Industry-engagement and our strong maker culture puts collaboration at the heart of everything we do.

Sling Studio

Developing Dorset-inspired textiles. Supported by European Regional Development Funding (ERDF).

About the project

Sling Studio is a Dorset business that sells textile wraps, baby slings and scarves. All of their products are designed, spun, dyed and woven in the British Isles from vegan-friendly natural supplies. Slings and scarves are produced in strictly limited runs and sell throughout the world.

Alicia Jeffries, founder and director of Sling Studio, approached AUB to produce a new fabric range that drew upon the talents of our second year BA (Hons) Textiles students. The project was taken on as a student ‘live brief’ which ran throughout the Autumn term. Fifteen students submitted designs for consideration, many of whom drew inspiration from the Dorset coastline and countryside, reflecting the natural ethos of the company.

The shortlisted designs were launched on Sling Studio’s high-profile social media channels and put to an audience vote, with the winner being taken into production. Over 1,000 people responded and the designs were so popular that three student designs have been selected for production.

The company also received an Access Voucher to use the dye room in our workshop.

AUB Staff: Anne-Marie Howat and Nicky Coyne

European Regional Development Funds

This project is supported through match-funding by the England European Regional Development Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. This fund was established by the European Union to help local areas stimulate their economic development. This investment will help to support innovation, businesses, skills and employment to improve local growth and create jobs. For more information visit www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.

Explore the Innovation Studio

Innovation Studio, photographed by Richard Bryant. Photo of an exterior wall with two reverse-L shaped windows and three semi-circle panels visible. A person walks past towards the right.

Overview

The Innovation Studio operates as a lab for creative technologies, a nucleus for start-ups and enterprises and an industry engagement hub.

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Events

A series of workshops and lectures for industry professionals to develop innovation and creative capabilities.

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Projects

Take a look at some of our recent collaborative projects with external partners and businesses

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Associate Programme

Our Associate Programme offers membership of our Innovation Studio to regional businesses seeking research and development support.

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Pre Start-Up Programme

Our Pre Start-Up Programme offers membership for creative individuals or businesses looking to develop new products or services.

Innovation Studio, photographed by Richard Bryant. Photo of an interior space, with several people sat working at tables. A rectangle-shaped railing is in the middle of the room.

Creative Technologies

The Innovation Studio features state-of-the-art equipment and digital resources, and the latest manufacturing technology.