BLAIR Boyle will soon be swapping Catrine for Venice — via Dundee.

The 20-year-old is one of two University of Dundee students who are to spend a month at one of the world’s foremost arts festivals.

His once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is part of a fellowship arranged by the university’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD).

Fellow student Amy Bryson will join Blair at the British Pavilion which is part of the world-famous La Biennale di Veneziam, which attracts 500,000 international visitors during the six months it opens each year.

As well as conducting independent research throughout their stay, the pair will also invigilate a major new exhibition at the 16th International Architecture Exhibition.

This is the second successive year that DJCAD has participated in the British Council’s Venice Fellowship initiative.

As well as sampling one of the world’s premier arts festivals, Blair will work with student peers and undertake a design project reflecting the event’s theme — Freespace — when they jet off next month.

As part of the partnership between the University and the British Council, DJCAD will support the students throughout their month-long stay in Italy, with the pair assisting at the latest exhibition by London-based firm Caruso St John Architects and artist Marcus Taylor at the British Pavilion.

Initiated in 2014, the aim of the Venice Fellowship scheme is to strengthen the British Pavilion contribution as a platform for ideas and research.

The British Council has been responsible for the British Pavilion in Venice since 1937, which has showcased some of the United Kingdom’s brightest talent in art, design and architecture to an international audience.

Interior and Environmental Design student Blair said: “I’m already looking ahead to my dissertation next year and will use this trip as inspiration for that.

“I had heard about the Venice Fellowship scheme from students last year so when the email came around seeking applicants I knew I had to go for it. I can’t wait to get out there — it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Andy Milligan, a member of the British Council’s Venice Fellowship HE Advisory Group at DJCAD, added: “This is a unique intercultural opportunity for our students.

“Dundee’s partnership with the British Council continues to strengthen our international folio and it’s great to see our students collaborate with peers from a wide range of disciplines too.”