Phase 4, South Community Planning Partnership Area, Govan Mural Songs
As part of Glasgow Life’s Artists in Communities programme in the South Community Planning Partnership Area, The Glasgow Barons delivered Govan Mural Songs, a place-based music project.
The Glasgow Barons hosted the Govan Music Festival in March 2023, which featured new commissions from local artists, collaborations with Ando Glaso Collective, Musicians in Exile, the Scottish Recovery Consortium, and local schools, a new hip-hop album by Steg G, and live performances at key Govan venues.
The Glasgow Barons and Invisible Cities developed the Govan Mural Songs, using the existing Govan Mural Trail to create new music. The Glasgow Barons collaborated with musicians from the Southside to compose original songs in response to specific murals. These songs reflected local stories and raised awareness of social issues, such as the need for more community spaces, whilst celebrating Govan’s cultural heritage.
The project aimed to increase civic engagement by encouraging residents and artists to actively shape their community’s narrative. Five murals were paired with a unique song accessible via QR codes along the trail, making the work inclusive and interactive.
In the lead-up to the UCI Cycling World Championships, Invisible Cities hosted guided walking tours of the trail.
As part of the GO LIVE! celebrations, The Glasgow Barons also performed at the official Fanzone in George Square, showcasing the creative spirit of the Southside to an international audience.
A special thanks to community partners, supporters and contributors: Scottish Recovery Consortium | Ando Glaso Collective | Invisible Cities | Musicians In Exile | Govan Gaelic Primary School/Bunsgoil Ghàidhlig Bhaile a' Ghobhainn.
