Future Paisley: Recent Episodes
Future Paisley
With events on hold and venues closed, The Future Paisley Podcast offers a series of conversations between people working in culture and in communities. The episodes explore the impact of Covid-19 on culture and in neighbourhoods - with debate on the challenges, responses and ideas for the future. The podcast can be listened to here, with new episodes released monthly.
Today Craig chats with Gemma Fraser from Castlehead High School and Shona Paul from Glasgow School Of Art.
The pair talk about the wonderful partnership which was designed to unlock potential in pupils, encourage innovative thinking, increase attainment and develop skills needed to thrive not just at school and work but in broader society.
The pair share the success of the partnership so fair and the hurdles which they have overcome during Covid-19.
Find out more about the collaboration here -https://gsaandcsc.wordpress.com/
The Future Paisley Podcast is back with a very exciting discussion between journalist and editor of Mill Magazine, Robert Blair and Scotland's best beatboxer, Bigg Taj. In this informative and engaging discussion, the pair give insight into the world of Scottish hip-hop and how it is taking off in Renfrewshire. They both explore the ways in which they can create more accessibility to young people in music; as well as discussing ways they can welcome back live performance and nurture new talent again in the future. Thank you to guests Robert Blair – @millmagazine, @Rabblair32 and Bigg Taj – @BiggTaj.
This week Craig hosts a very special episode with artists Kerry Stewart and Rachel Lowther. This episode is a rich insight into the working lives of artists and their experiences of creating a public artwork in Paisley to commemorate the Glen Cinema tragedy.
Our guests cover the history of the tragedy and the impact it had on the town which is still present today. Kerry and Rachel are working to replace the silence, with their careful approach to creating a work of art which engages and amplifies the voices of the town.
Please note, the works and locations mentioned are still only in the proposal stage right now and may change and develop as more consultations happen.
If you wish to engage with Kerry and Rachel regarding this commission please email them on - lowtherstewart1@gmail.com
Links – https://paisley.is/about/press-releases/media-releases-glen-cinema-artists-commissioned/ https://paisley.is/about/press-releases/media-release-paisley-remembers-glen-cinema-disaster/
Today Craig chats with Alan Clark from Create Paisley and Jenni Mason from PACE Theatre Company. In this episode they reflect on the success of this year’s digital Sma Shot Day and their involvement in it. They explore the importance of maintaining and building relationships with young people in the community at a time like this. Collaboration and community have never been more important, and the success of this year’s Sma Shot Day exemplifies that. This uplifting episode highlights the vital work organisations such as PACE and Create are doing for our young people right now. The show ends with the iconic “This is Our Day” performed by the young people of PACE, written by David Ramsay and Alan Orr.
Links to Create and PACE’s Digital Sma Shot Day performances; https://paisley.is/discover/unplugged-live-open-mic-with-create-paisley/ https://paisley.is/discover/this-is-our-day-the-sma-shot-story-a-radio-play/
Links to PACE; https://www.pacetheatre.com/ Create; https://www.createpaisley.org.uk/
On what would have been the closing night of Underwood Lane at the Tron Theatre after a run at Paisley Art Centre in June 2020, the fifth Future Paisley podcast features Artistic Director of the Tron Theatre, Andy Arnold, and musical director, Hilary Brooks.
There is a very special guest appearance from legendary Paisley born playwright and artist John Byrne, as he shares his memories of Paisley, and his experience writing of the play. This podcast in an engaging and thought provoking discussion on the wonders of live theatre, place and music. This episode gives special insight to the world of theatre and the exciting possibilities of its future in Paisley and beyond.
This week Craig chats with young Paisley musicians Linzi Clark (DRIFT) and Marie Collins (The Vegan Leather). This conversation shines a light on the incredible work they both do in nurturing and supporting vital connections with other musicians. They also address the struggles they have faced during lockdown and give an honest account of the highs and lows of being young women pursuing careers in music. This podcast highlights the importance of place for a creative community, and ends with a long list bands and musicians to listen too from Paisley and Renfrewshire!
You can find Linzi and Marie’s socials below:
Twitter: cariemollins linziclarkmusic / theveganleather driftband_ Facebook: theveganleather / driftband0 Instagram: theveganleather / driftband_
The Vegan Leather recently done a remix of a DRIFT song and are donating all funds to BLM, check it out here: https://drift6.bandcamp.com/
This week Craig welcomes Engage Renfrewshire’s New Buddies Network officer Gozie Joe Adigwe and Jambo! Radio founder George Tah. Gozie and George share an enriching conversation exploring cultures, heritage, place, diversity, language and family and look to a future shaped by understanding, tolerance and community.
More info on Jambo! Radio can be found here - https://www.jamboradio.co.uk/
This week Craig spoke with writer Alan Bissett and musician Crawford Smith. Based in Lochwinnoch, this episode explores the new roles they have found themselves in, the impact Covid-19 has had on their careers and their village, as well as looking at the new ways of giving their work a platform.
Info on how to access Alans work by donating to the Pay Pal link can be found here: https://alanbissett.com/2020/03/17/coronavirus-news/ Crawford's Facebook can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/musicbycrawford/
This is the first Future Paisley Podcast. This week we welcomed Sharon McAulay from Star Project and Alan McNiven from Engage Renfrewshire. This conversation explores the role that culture plays during lockdown and the rise of new digital barriers they are both working to overcome.