Glasgow can do it.

In hopeful anticipation of positive change-making as a result of the COP26, which begins October 31 and runs until November 12, we’re featuring a cultural hub and host of the international climate talks, Glasgow.

As countries from around the world prepare to convene to discuss, and (ideally) agree on serious action to combat the climate crisis, let’s take a closer Artfacts look at the city hosting this vital event.

According to the data we have on record, Glasgow shows a predominantly younger age-group of artists with 43% between the ages of 20-40. As seemingly always, (we sigh) males are represented more, making up 64% of artists shown.

The most active gallery is the Modern Institute, and the most active institution is the Centre for Contemporary arts. There are a great number of creative initiatives and governmental organisations that are preparing installations, exhibitions and happenings throughout the city for the duration of COP26, but let’s take a look at the two venues listed in our data as being the most active.

The Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA)
runs an open-source programming policy, curates 6 shows a year, and supports the development of new work with artist residencies.

A highlight of the events at CCA will be “The Word for World is Forest” which runs from Fri 29 October- Sat 11 December 2021. The exhibition features “Our People, Our Climate”- a documentary film initiative, a photographic series from German photographer Sophie Reuter and work developed with the support of “If Not Us Then Who” a charity which supports filmmaking and photography of communities that work together to protect our planet.

The Modern Institute
works with 45 internationally established and emerging artists and has two spaces in Glasgow. ‘The Weather Channel’ by Alex Dordoy, at it’s Osborne Street location, closes the day before COP26 begins (so if you’re in Glasgow – hop to it now).

The solo exhibition features works that are derived from vintage travel posters, stripped down to their essence. The happy, bright images of mountains or beaches with frolicking figures are suddenly empty. In a strange dichotomy, they are both eerie and longing-inducing.

The power of art to inspire change is well known, perhaps less-so is the power of the Glaswegian. But if any city can convince leaders of their need to take action, Glasgow could be it. In honour of the Glaswegians genuinely delightful use of expletives, we feel well within our rights to say to the leaders of our nations: Don’t fuck it up.

Let’s make history happen.

The Artfacts Team