Battle of Calder Street Illustrator Chosen

We are happy to announce the chosen illustrator of our recent open call to create an illustration of the Battle of Calder Street.

We had almost 60 submissions and after a tough decision-making process we chose Aoife O’Toole to carry out the commission.

Aoife will create an illustration of the moment in 2001 when police used greatly disproportionate force to evict protesters from the Baths’ building.

The illustration will feature in a new book about the history of Govanhill Baths by local historian Bruce Downie. The book will be launched at Govanhill International Festival and Carnival in August. It is a follow-up to Bruce’s book “Loved and Lost: Govanhill’s Built Heritage”, which takes us on a journey through the ever-changing landscape of Govanhill. Click to view it in our online shop.

Aoife O’Toole (AKA DJ Egg) is an illustrator and creative designer from Co. Kildare, Ireland and is now based in the southside of Glasgow. They get their inspiration from music and community and are constantly between the lines of sharing music and creating art. They are resident DJs of @hausofsidhe drag collective and have a monthly show on Dublin Digital Radio. Their work is inspired by personal experience, memories and the people around them.

Click to view their Instagram account.

Line drawing of two people embracing on a sofa

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Graffiti portrait of George Floyd with text "I can't breathe"

Remembering George Floyd

Combating racism is something which should matter to all of us and is central to the work and principles of Govanhill Baths and all that we do. We recognise our role in Govanhill in combatting racism, bigotry and discrimination, and working with others to aid the defeat of such prejudice.

We define ourselves by a commitment to anti-racism in everything we say and do. We stand in solidarity and common cause with all those in Govanhill and beyond who share such similar values. Central to this is listening to the voices of black and ethnic minority individuals and communities and understanding their experiences.

We stand for a Govanhill without racism, discrimination and prejudice and will work with others to aid bringing this about. We invite others to work with us to bring about a world defined by equality, justice, and respect for all. Together we know that we are stronger and that what unites us is more important than what divides us.

 

Click to download our antiracism poster.

 

 

Aboveis a new video of the Glasgow Southside Socialist Choir singing “Song for George Floyd”.

Song For George Floyd

lyrics by D. Lees and L. McKinnon. Melody originally from the song ‘Joe Hill.’

I dreamed I saw George Floyd last night
Alive as you and me
For though they took the breath from him
I never died, said he
I never died, said he

From Minnesota to Kirkcaldy
we sing all their names
for George is one of many who
died at the hands of hate
died at the hands of hate

Racist coppers killed you George
pinned you to the ground
And when you died, across the world
The voice of justice sounds
The voice of justice sounds

[humming verse]

From New York to Glasgow Green
In every street and square
We take the knee, we stand our ground
Your spirit lingers there
Your spirit lingers there

For George and for
all of the names
rise and heed the call
for there can be no peace until
there’s justice for us all
there’s justice for us all

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New Social Prescribing Initiative

Our Wellbeing, Arts and Health programme in partnership with Govanhill Doctors Surgery is currently piloting a 6-month social prescribing initiative.

Throughout lockdown we’ve been working with Community Link Practitioners to create arts and crafts, gardening and wellbeing packs for patients.

We’re now running two tailored classes and have commissioned custom-made distraction boxes for anyone using self-harm as a coping mechanism:

Social Prescribing Walking Group (weekly on a Friday)

Gentle outdoor exercises with a friendly group of people. Also learn more about birds, trees and plants as you walk. Walks will be both on and off paths.

Social Prescribing Gardening Group (weekly on a Saturday)

Gentle morning of gardening, chatting round a fire or walking in the nearby woods. For anyone new or experienced in gardening, whether for growing your food or to spend more time outside.

Distraction Boxes: (Designed by artist Sarah Leal)

Sarah says: “I have based this box around the concept of wellbeing. Now what is wellbeing? It really compromises two things, one is feeling good and the other one is functioning well. They sound pretty simple and straightforward but most human beings will admit that they are far from being simple. Personally, what makes me feel good and function well is a combination of little things which include self care, connecting with myself and others, being active and learning.”

The box contains different tips, objects, words and kindness to help people understand what it is that they enjoy doing or making, what makes them feel hopeful.

To book onto any of these activities, people speak to their Community Link Practitioner at Govanhill Doctors Surgery, or email hayden@govanhillbaths.com to self refer.

Here is some text that you could share about Community Link Practitioner’s and how to access them

About Community Links Practitioners

Community Links Practitioners  work with people to help them address the issues that matter to them. They find out what’s happening in the community and can help people to access services, support or activities that might be of interest to them. They talk about what is going on in a person’s life, taking the time to listen and identify concerns or issues. Practitioners can discuss what’s in a person’s area and whether they’d like to access anything.

To meet a Community Links Practitioner, people should ask the GP, nurse or receptionist at Govanhill Doctors Surgery to make an appointment.

Community Links Practitioners are based in Govanhill Health Centre Practice A, B and C.

Click to view Practice B’s Facebook page

Click to view Practice C’s Facebook page

(Practice A doesn’t have a page yet.)

Click for more information on Govanhill Baths’ Wellbeing, Arts and Health Programme.

 

The community banner (above), made for last year’s Govanhill International Festival made by local artist Sarah Leal and over 40 members of the community, is now on display in Practice A of Govanhill Doctors Surgery. There will be some newly commissioned Art going up in the surgery over the coming months.

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New job opportunities for artists

We have five vacancies for artists or creative practitioners to help deliver an exciting new arts programme as part of the national Culture Collective project of Creative Scotland!

In response to the ravaging effect that COVID-19 has had on the creative sector, Govanhill Baths Community Trust (GBCT) will provide stable PAYE employment to five artists for 12 months to embed them within the Govanhill community. Each of the artists will be paired with a community group, to co-design and co-create an artistic programme of work over the course of a year, as part of GBCT’s Occupy, Create, Resist! Programme.

Govanhill Baths has a unique history of working collectively to inspire social change, with art and creativity at the heart of our approach. These new roles come at an exciting time for Govanhill Baths. 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the community occupation of the Govanhill Baths building, the longest occupation of a public building in British history and what led to the creation of Govanhill Baths Community Trust.

The re-opening of the Govanhill Baths building as a community-led Wellbeing Centre is due to take place in Summer 2022 following major capital redevelopment. Creativity and art play a key role in the vision for the Centre.

The closing date for applications is Monday 7th of June.

Click for more information 

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