Fringe

Peripheral

Alternatives,

Strand

Opportunity

Cusp

It has been brought to my attention that the word “Alternative” promotes an either or situation. This was never my intention. I was more thinking “alternatives” or opportunity. Since moving to Glasgow five years ago, The GI Festival has provided a fantastic platform for contemporary art that I have enjoyed thoroughly.

It sets a standard and it also provides a process where the strongest work or the work that reflects the ethos of the festival’s committee is chosen to represent Glasgow. If this didn’t exist it might not be a great festival, it might be a so/ so festival.

For whatever reason my project was not selected I still have it slotted in to the time that the festival will be on. I’m still doing all the work and I still believe that this project is valid and will be a great exhibition.

There is no undermining going on here. Glasgow has an incredible diversity and creative community. I want to see the GI but I also want to see the cusp. There might be something there that I can decide for myself is shit hot or not.

This project is about connecting projects within Glasgow during the GI Festival. I am an Artist and art director. I am currently working on two projects that will coincide with the GI. I am directing an exhibition with Sam Stocker at Montgomery’s Cafe’ and I am working on trying to connect with vacant lots and empty spaces to create a map of exhibits, events, and happenings that are supported by artists and local community.

My project with Sam involves a large-scale work, that is site specific, and relates to the area and historical and current architecture. My part in the project has been to help negotiate the space, organizing funding, supporting Sam in anyway that relates to the installation and working with the owner of the Montgomery’s where the work will be installed.

Sam and I discussed ways in which we could draw people’s attention and interest into this project.  As artists we were both not included in the funded aspect of the Gi but we still believe this project should go forward.

I am currently working on connecting with other artists that were not included in the Gi events calendar who want to pursue their projects. I’m sure there were lots of amazing projects that just couldn’t be supported because of limited funding. I want to meet these people and work with them!