‘He suffered from depression, remarking once that ‘I’ve written books and poems to self-medicate my depression’. Poetry as medicine for dementia and depression is why the passing of Willie Hunter footballer, poet and ambassador is a loss to poetry as well as those that knew him.’
Optimism of the will in Future Library
Camus speaks for our era: ‘The time of the irresponsible artists is over… The freedom of art is not worth much when its only purpose is to assure the artists comfort‘. Katie Paterson’s work (Future Library) takes that observation and invocation to heart. Go see it however you can…
Scottish council cuts: enough is enough
‘Without real and substantive change in council funding, both fiscal and legislative, then the only budget option for councils will be more cuts, fewer services, fewer workers.’
Cheaper and more democratic than the Fringe
“Essentially, this is a democratisation of the arts that is most welcome.” Gordon Munro’s pick of exciting new work in Edinburgh Festival – at prices cheaper than Fringe shows.
Strike now for the future – we have a world to win
Children around the globe are right to go on strike, and we must listen to them. Gordon Munro explains why
Slaves of Fashion: from Punjab to Paisley
As the increasingly unstable UK awaits Donald Trump’s visit, Gordon Munro commends an exhibition challenging west-centric views of trade and art with a portrayal of Trump as King Cotton, the new face of western capitalism. Could we see it in Edinburgh?
The power of words: on and after Holocaust Memorial Day
The power of words was the theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day. Gordon Munro reports on how Jewish poets/authors and others wrote about and recorded the (hidden) atrocities occurring in 1942 onwards and asks today’s governments to match fine words with the right deeds to prevent any repetition.
Council cuts: who wields the knife?
“It is cartoon politics to portray Westminster as the baddie in respect of funding and powers for councils when there is a steadfast refusal by Holyrood to use its powers to prevent cuts to councils..” Gordon Munro on the funding crisis facing Scottish councils.
Poverty Safari and the Glasgow Effect
‘Required reading for all those engaged in the fight against poverty’, Gordon Munro reviews Darren McGarvey’s book, Poverty Safari.
Mind the time? Football memories
“I come along with a confused man and leave with my husband.” Gordon Munro reviews Mind the Time, a poetry project using football memories to enhance the lives of people with dementia and those closest to them.