Phase 1, Ward 11, Storytelling is an Art
I reckon I could do that, you know. It’s just gabbing, and I can gab for Scotland!
As part of Glasgow Life’s Creative Communities Artists in Residence programme for Ward 11, Hillhead, Heather Marshall from Creative Electric delivered Storytelling is an Art, a project that celebrated the stories of a richly diverse and often divided community.
Heather spoke with people from all walks of life in Hillhead, including culturally engaged and affluent residents, to those living and working on the streets, who faced many practical obstacles to participating in any kind of cultural life.
Heather found a common theme among many locals. Many felt they weren’t “clever enough” to take part in the arts, but they did have powerful stories and a willingness to share them. Throughout this project, Heather stresses that storytelling is an art.
Heather spent time in cafés, pubs, gardens and barbershops, collecting these stories with permission to retell them, “as long as it’s one of yous saying it and no’ me!”
Heather collaborated with Birds of Paradise Theatre Company to bring these tales to life, performed by actors for local audiences. The result was a moving and affirming celebration of everyday voices.
The project revealed a community full of creativity and a deep appetite for the arts despite, and perhaps because of, the barriers many face.
A special thanks to community partners, supporters and contributors: Queens Cross Housing Association | Garscube Playrooms | Birds of Paradise Young Artists | Local community education teams.
