
Our new exhibition opens at Tramway: Stories from our Streets
Stories from our Streets exhibition opens at Greater Govanhill’s Community Space at Tramway. The heritage exhibition features videos and an interactive map but at its heart is the photographic project capturing the diversity of the neighbourhood, One Day in Govanhill.
Record Collections: Sound, soul and stories
We spoke to two Radio Buena Vida residents for Issue 17: Hidden Lives about their vinyl collections, uncovering stories of rare finds, well-loved grooves and the deeper connections that make records more than just music.
Bona Parle!
Discover how Polari became a vital tool for the LGBTQ+ community to communicate safely during times of severe repression. This fascinating language, with its blend of cultural and multilingual influences, remains a symbol of queer resilience and resistance.
Style Icon: Eva Harrold
Eva Harrold turns heads across the Southside in handmade outfits that challenge fast fashion. Through Slow Stitch Studio and her work with Rags to Riches, she’s stitching style, sustainability and community together — one thread at a time. Find out more in this edition of Style Icon from Issue 17: Hidden Lives.
Isolophilia: Embracing the beauty of solitude
Govanhill based artist Gabriel Davidson (26) held his first show of paintings in Glasgow. The exhibition called ‘Isophilia’ explored the hidden joys of being alone. In this article Gabriel writes about the inspiration behind his first solo exhibition.
'Govanhill: A Community Film Portrait' is now available on YouTube
Filmmaker Felipe Bustos Sierra premiered his short film 'Govanhill: A Community Film Portrait' at the GSFF last year. Now, a year later, the full film has been released on YouTube, allowing free, open access to his work.
Lascars – Forgotten Seafarers: brought to life
Unveiling the untold story of the lascar sailors, Glasgow Museums' latest exhibition immerses visitors in the seafaring legacy of South Asian men who shaped Britain's maritime past. Through a community-led research project, 3D-printed figurines, and a vivid film installation, this display offers a powerful tribute to these overlooked seafarers, inviting reflection on their enduring impact.
Who’s doing it better? How other countries are tackling gambling advertising
The UK lags behind the rest of Europe on gambling advertising regulation while other countries are limiting their impact. Kate Samuels examines approaches taken in three different countries and explores what the UK can learn to better protect vulnerable communities and reduce gambling-related harm.
Seeds of Addiction: unpacking the systemic exploitation of young gamers
Gambling harms thrive in plain sight, especially in less affluent communities like Govanhill. With bookmakers on every corner and addictive mechanics embedded in video games, the seeds of addiction are planted early, often in the lives of vulnerable young people. Eva O’Donovan unpacks the systemic exploitation and the hidden struggles of those caught in its grip, shedding light on the urgent need for change.
Go Back to Where You Came From: documentary reviewed by a Pakistani refugee
“As a Muslim activist, refugee and advocate for asylum seekers, I am really happy Channel 4 took the initiative to make a documentary series on the reality which many asylum seekers face when coming to the UK.”
Glasgow Film Theatre agrees to Unite Hospitality’s demands to drop Coca-Cola
Glasgow Film Theatre agreed to remove Coca-Cola from its bar following pressure from Unite Hospitality, as part of the wider BDS movement. While campaigners welcome the decision, their open letter pushes for broader boycott commitments, including the removal of Barclays adverts and the endorsement of PACBI.
Romane Phenia Sar Jag So Phabol: Roma Sisters are the Burning Fires
On Saturday Romano Lav launched an exhibition with a powerful fashion show this international Women’s Day, to celebrate Roma women, their contributions to family, work and their cultural traditions.
Bringing Palestine to Edinburgh Fringe: Crowdfunder launched
A crowdfunder has been launched to help bring 16 Palestinian artists to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Creative Scotland has pledged to partially match the funds if the campaign reaches its £30,000 target. With the deadline just two weeks away, organisers are urging people to support however they’re able to.
Southside activities to try out in 2025
The new year brings a fresh urge to explore new activities, and the Southside has plenty to offer – from language classes at MILK to zine workshops at Glasgow Zine Library. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites – all sober, and either free or pay-what-you-can.
From the Ground to the stage: An interview with Celtic performers & Southside gigs guide
Meet Laura-Beth of From the Ground, performing at Celtic Connections, as she discusses blending Scottish traditions with global influences. Discover the band's message of nature, resilience, and unity, plus our guide to the must-see Celtic Connection gig lighting up Glasgow’s Southside.
Finding somewhere to belong: Inclusive spaces for young people
We spoke with members of the Southside’s creative and inclusive communities, who shared how local spaces like Glasgow Zine Library and Glasgow Sunflowers have fostered their sense of belonging.
What I wish I’d known when I first arrived
Marzanna Antoniak shares her journey from feeling isolated as a new migrant in Scotland to finding belonging in Govanhill through volunteering, multilingual initiatives, and community connections, highlighting the power of inclusive spaces, and multilingual initiatives in fostering belonging and community.
What languages belong to Govanhill?
Glaswegian poet and novelist, Shane Johnstone reflects on the ties between language and identity in Govanhill, tracing its evolution through Irish diaspora culture to today’s vibrant multilingual community. By exploring how migration shapes belonging while raising questions about preserving and celebrating the area’s rich linguistic diversity.
Seven reparations, one reckoning: Farah Saleh’s embodied call for justice in Palestine
Balfour Reparations 2024-2044, a performance lecture by Farah Saleh, uses a mix of movement, spoken word, and participatory action to confront the UK’s colonial role in Palestine and explores our role in shaping a decolonial future.
Like my grandmother use to make: Salsa de Tomatillo
For those of us far from our ancestral homelands, connecting to heritage is an act of resilience, joy, and community. This piece explores Melissa Espinoza’s connection to food, the role it plays in preserving Mexican culture, and how culinary traditions bridge the gap between past and present – even in Glasgow.