Phase 1, Ward 20, Having a Baillieston Blether
The knowledge and skills of the local artists allowed this project to feel much more like a collaboration and true exploration of the area, its potential and the desires of the community.
As part of Glasgow Life’s Creative Communities Artists in Residence programme for Ward 20, Baillieston, Fraser MacLeod delivered Having a Baillieston Blether, a project shaped by collaboration and community voice.
Fraser's engagement with his ward extended to collaborating with local artists who lived in the area but were not necessarily working there to co-deliver a range of arts-based activities, including drama, photography, storytelling, and visual art. Much of the activity centred around local schools, seen as key community hubs where generations naturally meet and interact.
This led to intergenerational workshops involving pupils and their families, creating shared creative spaces across age groups. The project continued through public-facing 'Baillieston Blethers' hosted at Baillieston Library and St John's Episcopal Church, where Fraser invited ideas directly from the community.
The project celebrated Baillieston's local talent while fostering new conversations about creativity, belonging, and the ward's future.
A special thanks to community partners, supporters and contributors: Baillieston Library | Bannerman High | Caledonia Primary School | FUSE youth group | Garrowhill Community Centre | Glenburn Centre | Innerzone | Newhills Secondary | St. Bridget’s Primary School | St. Francis’ Primary School | St John’s Episcopal Church | Swinton Primary School.
