John Mason MSP (Glasgow Shettleston) joined us to meet with Director and Creative Producer Natalia Palombo at Many Studios on Monday 9th September.
Many Studios is a creative organisation committed to championing multidisciplinary practice through quality workspaces and diverse arts programming. Natalia kindly gave us a tour of the studio spaces and gallery which are situated within the Glasgow Barras neighbourhood.
She explained to John that, as part of the legacy of the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the wide ranging placemaking and programming skills of the organisation were employed to design, develop and operate a new creative hub in the East End of the city.
Since 2016, Many Studios have played a major part in the development of The Barras neighbourhood as a new cultural destination, through building a creative community alongside hosting public events, outdoor markets, unique partnerships and international collaborations.
Many provides managed workspaces, shop front creative units, contemporary art galleries, multifunctional meeting rooms and event spaces. All are designed not only to support creativity, innovation and business growth but also be flexible enough to meet the ever-changing needs of the creative industries.
The Gallow Gate is the front facing gallery space within Many Studios. It currently presents an interdisciplinary arts programme, responding to issues surrounding postcolonialism, migration and globalism. Natalia shared more information with John about key work she is doing to develop a toolkit around current visa regulations and the impact they currently have on freedom of movement within the cultural sector.
We also got the opportunity to view The Expulsion, a new and deeply personal film work from artist Larry Achiampong. Newly commissioned by The Gallow Gate, the short film highlights the rich interior world of an unnamed migrant with references to themes of race, class and gender.
Art in Action 