Phase 1, Ward 19, A Portrait of a Community
A great success. The workshops were well-pitched and allowed the pupils to explore and experiment; one parent commented that their son had spent the weekend practising his composition techniques with the family camera.
As part of Glasgow Life’s Creative Communities Artists in Residence programme for Ward 19, Shettleston, Street Level Photoworks, and artist Ilisa Stack delivered A Portrait of a Community, a creative exploration of place, identity, and local heritage.
The project began with a mapping exercise, which allowed Ilisa to connect with local groups and understand the area’s networks. She then led photography workshops with young people through schools and youth groups and created accessible pop-up spaces at Shettleston Library and the local Tesco.
Passers-by were invited to view archival images of Shettleston, pose for portraits, and make badges, sparking conversations about how the area had changed and what the community now needed. These informal exchanges revealed a deep local interest in photography, storytelling, and heritage and opened up creative ways for residents to reflect on their sense of place.
A special thanks to community partners, supporters and contributors: Mount Vernon Primary School | Fuse Youth Groups (Junior and Senior) | Carmyle Youth Group | Tesco Shettleston | Shettleston Library | Shettleston Local History group | The Friendly Group | Shettleston Community Centre | Shettleston New Church | Local Boys Brigade | Shettleston Guild | Shettleston New Church.
