Children from a Bethlehem refugee camp depict life under occupation and dreams of a free Palestine in a powerful exhibition, the final project of the late Jeremy Lester. Their raw and hopeful artwork, alongside symbols of Palestinian identity, offers a moving glimpse into a deeply personal struggle.

How a bunch of old cassettes are a passage into the languages and histories of Pakistani migration. The Tape Letters project will soon be showcased in an exhibition in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee featuring stories of local residents.

Big Noise Govanhill’s free summer holiday club provided nearly 1,000 meals and fun, educational activities for local children, supporting families through music education, social projects, and essential care during the longest school break.

Local band CLR Theory captivated the listening crowd during intimate performances at the Deep End over the weekend, with two consecutive shows on the Saturday and Sunday evening.

Govanhill artists joined the unions in their continued fight for arts funding despite a recent government u-turn on cuts announced last month. Though funding has been reinstated, the arts community remains concerned about future uncertainties, especially on the impact cuts would have on working-class communities. Protesters called for a progressive tax system in the broader fight to preserve public funding, not just for the arts and culture sector.

The Victoria Bar, one of 21 sites part of the Football Square Mile (FSM), has recently become home to a painting by Ashley Rawson, depicting two Tartan Army fans, clad in Scotland’s signature colours. The work entitled, ‘The Best Fans in the World’,  is a homage to the Tartan Armies' celebration of the Euros. 

Arkbound’s innovative workshop series, 'Our Economy', is opening doors for typically marginalised communities to engage in economic discussions through creative writing. This unique approach is not just about learning but about fostering change and amplifying voices that are often unheard.

Last week, CineRoma 2.0 brought powerful narratives to the forefront as the UK’s only Roma Film Festival returned for its second year. Curated by young Roma from Govanhill, this year’s selection delved into themes of self-perception, identity, and resistance.

The arrival of the pop-up honey mango stalls around Govanhill and Pollokshields has come to mark the beginning of summer in the neighbourhood. During South Asian Heritage Month, Samar Jamal delves into the heritage of this popular fruit and what it means to South Asian communities across the Southside. 

In Govanhill, the heart of the community beats through its vibrant local businesses. From bustling corner shops to long-standing family-run stores, these shopkeepers not only provide essential services but also preserve the area's cultural heritage. In this article, we delve into the stories of Govanhill's shopkeepers, uncovering the histories, challenges, and triumphs that shape the daily life of this diverse and dynamic neighbourhood.

Peter Mohan, the voice behind the popular blog "Cheers, Govanhill!", shares his journey to becoming a celebrated local writer, and insights into his views on the ever-changing landscape of Govanhill, as well as the inspiration behind his new book.

South Asian Heritage Month is a celebration of South Asian identities and cultures. This year’s theme, ‘Free to Be Me,’ prompted Sofia to reflect on her own complex sense of identity. Sofia shares her experience of growing up in Glasgow's South Asian community, struggling with her mixed-race background and the challenges of fitting into Scottish and Asian cultures.

Young Roma activists co-curate a transformative Festival of Social Action at Scotland's first Roma Culture Centre, showcasing powerful stories and fostering community connections to inspire change. Including a screening of the film ‘(We Are Roma): This is our Home’ which explored the experiences, struggles, and aspirations of Roma youth in Glasgow through the lens of Lena Popikova, a young Roma woman and aspiring filmmaker who grew up in the city. 

Yoruba Sonic was a vibrant and immersive event that beautifully blended academic research with rich cultural performances. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with a diverse mix of audio recordings, African dance, drumming, and live performances. The artists delivered captivating explorations of African knowledge systems and embodied cultural expressions. The event, supported by the University of Glasgow, offered a powerful tribute to the resilience and creativity of African and diaspora communities, making for an enriching and unforgettable experience. Here are some snapshots from the event.

The 10th iteration of Glasgow International commenced on June 7th and continues through Sunday, June 23rd, 2024. As customary, the festival unfolds across the city, encompassing Glasgow's Southside. Resident and photographer Laura reflects on her experience exploring three lively exhibitions at Tramway, Queen’s Park Glasshouse and Celine on Victoria Road.

Co-curator, Sehar Mehmood, unpacks the complexities of working in the the museum sector, highlighting the political nature of the space, the challenges of representation, debates on activism and the need for museums to address social issues openly.

Glasgow International, Scotland’s biennial festival of contemporary art, this year celebrates its 10th edition. A must-see experience drawing artists and art lovers from around the world, it is also a brilliant opportunity for everyone and anyone to explore and experience the scene which gives Glasgow its global reputation for contemporary art.

Refugee Festival Scotland has announced an exciting line-up of events sharing the stories of people and communities who have settled in Scotland. Including a whole host of events in Glasgow’s Southside, including Govanhill and the surrounding areas.

“Plants seem to have a language of their own, with which they communicate to us their medicinal properties. In turn, humans have developed various ways of transmitting plant lore, knowledge and medicinal uses of herbs and other plants.” - Beti Scott, Movement in Thyme.

City of Empire is a new community-led exhibition at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum that uncovers Glasgow’s deep-rooted links to empire and slavery. Zara Grew met up with the exhibition's Community Curator to find out more.