art
Weaving a magic spell against Brexit
‘But here and now, for sanity sake, I abandon the endless stream of anger in the digital world, stuff my silenced phone in my back pocket, pick up a pair of secateurs and venture out…
Edinburgh Festival’s 70 years of giving to arts – and economy
‘But regardless of whether we view culture as an intrinsic good in itself or for the instrumental benefits it brings, there’s no question that they are increasingly an economic driver at local and national levels.’
Silent greetings from Mars
‘Men may be from Mars,’ Tom says with a chuckle, handing me the signed copy, ‘but that does not mean we are without feelings.’
Nothing to see, and nothing to say: Marlie Mul at GoMA
\The boundaries of possibility are set before we open our mouths. The exhibition space becomes no longer filled with art, but whatever happens in there remains art all the same.’
From eyesore to empowerment: liberating ‘stalled spaces’
What happens when local communities take control of wasteland? In the first of two articles Susan Mansfield reports on the extraordinary successes of the Stalled Spaces Scotland scheme.
Art of yesterday’s newspapers
Artist Jane Couroussopoulos finds a novel use for the pile of old Guardians she keeps in her studio, turning them into works of art. Jackie Kemp visits the artist at work in newly reawakening Leith.
Seeding success: a new Paisley pattern
“In 21st century Scotland, resources of renewal are found elsewhere. Today we’re here to learn how communities are transforming town centres – with the right amount of support from public bodies and private enterprise.” Paisley…
T2 Trainspotting: back to what future?
“Except for a brief cameo of the Parliament building, you would be forgiven for not realising how much political upheaval there has been in Scotland alone since the first film was released—in 1996, before devolution—for…
Where does Scottish writing go from here?
“Nasty Women will showcase a wide array of female voices, many of them new writers, focusing on intolerance and inequality to cover everything from Trump’s America to pregnancy. Like Freight, the arrival of 404 Ink…
A fitting place for Joan Eardley
“Joan Eardley is finally assuming the status she so richly deserves(d): a great Scottish artists who belongs to the world.” She came to Scotland at 19, died tragically young at 42 in 1963 and, half…
Discerning the light: a sceptic explores the history of religion
Former Bishop of Edinburgh Richard Holloway, whose complex relationship with his own Christian tradition makes him perhaps the quintessential sceptical Scot, explores the history of religion in a new book.
Creative cities: built on can-do culture
“Here’s to the kindling of generous can-do creativity in every town and city. It looks fun but it’s deadly serious too. In the turmoil of Brexit (along with wider global uncertainties), the healthy prosperity of…