Phase 1, Ward 8, An Open Studio
As part of Glasgow Life’s Creative Communities Artists in Residence programme for Ward 8, South Central, Swap Market delivered An Open Studio, a collaborative and playful exploration of local creativity, exchange, and shared ambition.
The project was rooted in Swap Market’s Southside exchange space and led by Swap Market’s Ailie Rutherford and associate artists Alex Wilde, Najma Abukar, Alaya Ang, and Rae-Yen Song. The team connected with creative organisations and community groups across the ward to learn about existing initiatives and what people hoped for.
This culminated in an open studio and Market Forces events at Swap Market, which invited groups to reflect on the collective proposals developed through consultation. Public engagement continued with weekly drawing clubs at Swap Market, Gorbals Library and Govanhill Library, which welcomed young people, families, and older craft groups. The audio recordings from the Market Forces events are available to listen to on the Feminist Exchange Networks Soundcloud.
A creative skills Timebank Tombola was taken out on the streets and to the Gorbals Festival, while a community snakes and ladders game mapped local stories in a playful, participatory way, celebrating imagination, shared knowledge, and social connection.
A special thanks to community partners, supporters and contributors: Oatlands Allotments | Romano Lav | The Barn, and their artist in residence | Mind and Draw | Milk Café women’s art club | Gorbals Fair | Chai and Chat women’s group | The Well Multicultural Centre | Gorbals Library | Govanhill Library | St Luke’s art class | Gien’ it Laldy song group | Living Rent | Bike for Good | Arc Independent | Southside Studios | Komplex | Govanhill Arts and Environment Network | Govanhill Community Development Trust | Govanhill Baths | Rags to Riches | The Deep End | Kiosk | The Outwith Agency | WAVEparticle | Citizens Theatre | Govanhill Picture House | Glasgow Zine Library | Place-Age | Ice Cream Architecture | Crossroads Youth and Community Association | Link Up | Men’s Shed.
