Phase 1, Ward 7, Explore – Challenge – Articulate

As part of Glasgow Life’s Creative Communities Artists in Residence programme for Ward 7, Langside, which includes Toryglen, Mount Florida, Kings Park, and parts of Cathcart, Shona Thomson / A Kind of Seeing, delivered Explore – Challenge – Articulate, a project that used archival research and film to explore local identity and cultural memory.

Beginning with an intensive dive into archives, Shona uncovered materials relating to Langside and its wider area. She shared her findings in public spaces across the ward, sparking conversations about representation, identity, and cultural heritage, and how it is (or isn’t) represented in national, city and local archives.

Using archival maps, photos and film footage, the project encouraged reflection on community needs and aspirations. Shona engaged with residents at events, including the Southside Fringe Festival launch fiesta and Southside Heritage Celebration at Pollokshields Burgh Hall, and even set up a conversation table at Asda Toryglen.

Two public events, Looking for Langside and Showcasing Toryglen, hosted at Toryglen Community Hall, culminated the residency alongside a community-led short film highlighting the benefits of arts activities and the value of ongoing arts activity in the area.

A special thanks to community partners, supporters and contributors: Langside Library | Langside Library Reminiscence Group | Southside Fringe Festival | Cinemor77 | Toryglen Community Hall Lunch Club | Toryglen Community Hall Art Class | Geoff Shaw Community Centre Megaclub Afterschool Club | Langside Community Heritage | Southside Film Festival | Asda Toryglen | Eoin Carey Photography | Urban Roots | South East Integration Network | Finn’s Place | South Glasgow Heritage Environment Trust | Glasgow Women’s Library | Lost Glasgow | creō | Thistle Housing Association | Regional Screen Scotland | Police Scotland | Queen’s Park Camera Club.