Yorkhill is to become Scotland's first-ever dedicated 'Street Art District'.
SWG3 has been awarded over £500,000 to develop an area of the city dedicated solely to street and graffiti art forms.
The money will go towards creating a hub for artists of all levels, ages and backgrounds and forms part of broader plans to transform the areas surrounding SWG3 and the Clydeside.
Once completed, the new Street Art District will provide a purpose-built home for street art and space for hundreds of artists to create work through the Yard Works Studio. The heated workshop will be home to a 12m high wall for the creation of large-scale artworks, specialist equipment and working spaces for artists, youth and community organisations.
Locals will be able to catch a glimpse of the art being created through a glazed wall at the front of the studio.
The project will act as a link between Partick, Yorkhill and Govan and will see gable ends illuminated with new, large-scale murals, creating an open-air gallery trail and attracting visitors to the area.
Gaz Mac, SWG3 Studio Director and co-founder of Yardworks, said: “We’re extremely grateful for this funding, which is a vital step towards increasing recognition for all street-based art forms across Scotland. We’re thrilled to be able to provide a platform where artists can not only share their experiences and produce amazing works, but grow their employment prospects in the creative industry, develop their skills, and gain confidence, which is especially important amongst those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“It will also have a real impact within the local community, allowing us to continue our work with young people facing economic disadvantage, as well as working towards SWG3’s wider plans for regenerating the area.”
A £500,000 grant awarded by the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, and an additional grant of £40,000 from the William Grant Foundation, will be used to create the Yard Works Studio at the SWG3 complex, as well as to help turn the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District (GRID) into a colourful new street arts district, linking the Riverside communities of Partick, Yorkhill and Govan.
