Phase 5, North West Community Planning Partnership Area, Celebrating Cowlairs

As part of Glasgow Life’s Artists in Communities programme, Green Economy Iteration in the North West Community Planning Partnership Area, Saffy Setohy and Margaret Kerr continued their long-term collaboration with the Cowlairs community, building on relationships established since 2021.

The project focused on connecting local residents, children, families, and older adults with green spaces through creative workshops. In an area where outdoor education, the arts, and natural environments are not always accessible, the artists used imaginative approaches to support well-being and environmental stewardship.

Saffy and Margaret led hands-on workshops with the local community, using movement, play, drawing, and guided walks to create a sensory learning experience. Each session began with accessible ecological knowledge, such as facts about tree biology, before encouraging participants to explore their creative responses.

The artists collaborated with Forest School leaders, Clyde Climate Forest, Green Action Trust, and Glasgow City Council to map the area’s tree life and identify opportunities for environmental enhancement. This research informed a community tree-planting event accompanied by a shared meal and a public film screening.

A public exhibition at Possilpark Library showcased the co-created artworks and celebrated local participants’ voices and visions. Saffy and Margaret also shared their approach at Creative Carbon Scotland’s Springboard gathering. 

A special thanks to community partners, supporters and contributors: St Teresa’s Primary School and Parent Council | Hawthorn Housing | NG Homes |  Possilpoint Community Centre | Possilpark Library | Young People’s Futures | Clyde Bat Conservation | Canal Youth Forum | 

St. Matthews Centre | Photographer Brian Hartley | Project Co-ordinator Roisin Cross | Forest School | Lucas Kao.