Phase 4, North West Community Planning Partnership Area, Sharing Cowlairs
I think these events are good for building closer and stronger relationships and for improving the image people in the community have of it... there is so much talent and goodwill in this community, which should be celebrated and built upon- these events are helping achieve this!
As part of Glasgow Life’s Artists in Communities programme in the North West Community Planning Partnership Area, Saffy Setohy and Margaret Kerr delivered Sharing Cowlairs, building on connections developed through Artists in Residence.
The project centred around the Cowlairs Labyrinth and Garden, a community space developed with local residents and officially opened in spring 2022. Saffy and Margaret facilitated a wide range of creative workshops and community activities, including creating a walking group, which emerged from conversations with residents and a monthly community clean-up initiative that brought neighbours together to help care for the site.
In collaboration with local people and working groups, the artists researched the history of Cowlairs within the wider history of Possilpark. Working with locals and drawing from archives, Saffy and Margaret co-created an exhibition at Possilpark Library, exploring the past, present, and future of Cowlairs through audio recordings, artworks, and archival material.
To celebrate Cowlairs, the team co-designed and co-delivered a community festival with local organisations and people. The festival reflected aspects of Cowlairs’ heritage, with brass bands echoing its industrial roots and folk music celebrating its agricultural past. The festival included nature walks, performances, creative workshops and a celebratory parade, which followed the newly restored safe walking routes. The day concluded with a communal meal and disco at Possilpark Parish Church.
A special thanks to community partners, supporters and contributors: St Teresa’s school| Hawthorn Housing | NG Homes | Possilpont Community Centre| Chinese Recreation Centre | St Matthews | Clay Church/Bardowie Hall | Possilpoint Methodist church | Possilpark Parish Church | Cowlairs festival in partnership.
