Clyde Commons. A day of learning, exploration and renewal in Govan.
An immersive walk and talk in central Govan with Neil Gray, exploring issues of Clydeside gentrification and development, asking what it all means for the Clyde Commons. With new developments, including the Govan–Partick bridge, Govan is often said to be ‘up and coming’. For some, this is good news and for others it suggests the possibility of gentrification in the area, leading to higher housing costs. But what is gentrification? How does it reveal itself? New cafes and bars? middle class incomers? Or something else? This immersive walk and talk, led by writer, researcher and former resident Neil Gray, will cover the central Govan area, discussing these issues and asking what it all means for the Clyde Commons. It will also pose the question of walking as an urban research method.
Followed by: Cultural perspectives on the Clyde Bioregion
Contributors: Dance artist and Clyde Bioregion Artist in Residence Saffy Setohy will share insights from her creative residence on the island of Arran exploring the landscapes, ecology and cultural heritage of the Clyde Bioregion through movement, conversation and collaborative arts practice
Jamie Wardrop is a digital artist from Glasgow whose work often explores ecological themes through film, projection, animation, live visuals and immersive installation. Jamie will reflect on the living presence and ecology of the White Cart Water, considering the ecological pressures facing the watercourse, changing rainfall patterns, river levels and wider questions around how we might improve our relationship with a river that is often ignored or overlooked.
Finally we’ll gather at the CHE library in the Pearce Institute for its re-opening after months of repair and restoration, and relaunch as Govan’s community wisdom space. CHE Executive Director Luke Devlin will invite reflection on our vision and heritage, followed by a collective oiling of the Centre’s famous handcrafted table to reconvene the space. Rich in symbolism and shaped by many hands, it stands as a living artefact of the Centre’s enduring conversation between ecology, culture and community.
We invite attendees to browse the library, linger for refreshments, and join our contributors for a discussion on the themes of the day.
(From 6pm onwards, another Dear Green Commons event takes place in the same location, ‘Flourish’: separate booking is required for this event. Follow the link for more information)
Expect conversation, encounter and the unexpected as we explore the cultural, political and ecological life of the Clyde bioregion in a roundtable gathering to conclude the event. This evolving session will bring together voices, practices and perspectives connected to the Clyde bioregion and community, opening space for shared inquiry into heritage, ownership, ecology and belonging.
This is the first gathering of our event series, Dear Green Commons. It is followed by another event on the same day, ‘Flourish’ (separate booking required).
