Design Camp for ages 7 to 10: Set Design

In this creative workshop led by artist Madeleine Famurewa, participants will be introduced to the role of a set designer for performance, film, television, and theatre, and explore how visual worlds can shape storytelling.

The workshop begins with a short visit to the Wes Anderson: The Archives exhibition, where children will look at a range of scenery featured in Anderson’s films and discover what makes their atmospheres so unique, before going on to create their own prototype set. They’ll be introduced to foundational skills in scale and technical drawing to help translate their ideas from sketch to plan.

Participants will design a mini-model using sustainable materials to bring their designs to life in a three‑dimensional box. At the end of the session, all model boxes will be brought together and photographed using theatrical lighting and sound. Children will also have an opportunity to document and present their work to adults.

Learning outcomes:

• Insight into the career of a designer for performance
• Learning how to tell a story using scenery
• Exploring creative ideas through drawing and collage
• Basic scale and technical drawing skills
• Building a prototype for a set design in a model box
• Presenting work using theatrical lighting and photography

Please note:

• This workshop will include a short visit to the Wes Anderson: The Archives exhibition

• This workshop is suitable for children aged 7-10. All participants must be dropped off and picked up by an adult. You can find additional information in the sections below

• Capacity is limited. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment

• All equipment and materials will be provided, but participants will need to bring a packed lunch

• All participants must be dropped off and picked up by a parent, carer or responsible adult. A member of our team will greet you on arrival and sign participants in

• We ask all bookers to provide an emergency contact name and number. Please ensure this person is available for the duration of the session

• The workshop content is tailored to a specific age group. Participants outside the advertised age range may find the session less accessible or engaging

• If there’s anything we can do to support your child’s participation, whether around mobility, communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation or anything else, you’re welcome to let us know at checkout. Sharing access needs is entirely optional and helps us prepare the session in the most inclusive way

• This session has capacity for up to 20 participants, led by one or two facilitators, with a typical adult-to-child ratio of 1:10

• If your child receives additional support in their education setting, you are welcome to bring a supporting adult with them at no extra cost. Please note that we are not able to provide one-to-one support ourselves

• If you have any questions or want to discuss specific access requirements, please get in touch with the team at DMAcademy@designmuseum.org

Background image: Design Camp workshop at the museumphotographed by Matthew Kaltenborn.