5
Do not judge a gallery by its cover.
Listen Gallery is not always in the same space. It goes where there is empty space to be filled and has currently made its home on the ground floor of a large modern building in Glasgow’s financial district. The project is run by just one volunteer and relies on a scheme that connects arts and culture organisations with corporate landlords that want to avoid paying fees for having their properties unused. So when I went to see an exhibition about a trans grassroots initiave, I was surprised to find myself in front of a high-end glass front that I thought would be no place for me. As soon as I was inside, though, I learned not to judge a book by its cover.
The large space was full of colourful drapes and rugs, an eclectic mix of furniture, art on the walls and books and zines on shelves. It is truly an achievement to add gentleness and soul to a corporate building – well done!
One of the first things you see as you come into the venue is a shelf with flyers, zines and free FFP2 and surgical masks. I was especially interested and happy to see the writing on mutual aid and radical kindness and community. This feeling of being welcome and cared for was further encouraged by the tables providing water, tea and coffee and even biscuits.
The cosy seating area and record player along with the collection of vinyl made me want to snuggle up and listen closely. But on this occasion I was there to see an exhibition and the accompanying film.
I visited as part of the Scottish Queer International Film Festival (SQIFF), which does a great job at prioritising accessibility and communicating access information. I hope my review can expand on that work! When not hosting the Camp Trans exhibition for SQIFF, the Listen Gallery is open for other events and workshops. You can find out about them on Instagram or in their newsletter. You can even get in touch to see whether you could host your own project there!
Listen Gallery is not always in the same space. It goes where there is empty space to be filled and has currently made its home on the ground floor of a large modern building in Glasgow’s financial district. The project is run by just one volunteer and relies on a scheme that connects arts and culture organisations with corporate landlords that want to avoid paying fees for having their properties unused. So when I went to see an exhibition about a trans grassroots initiave, I was surprised to find myself in front of a high-end glass front that I thought would be no place for me. As soon as I was inside, though, I learned not to judge a book by its cover.
The large space was full of colourful drapes and rugs, an eclectic mix of furniture, art on the walls and books and zines on shelves. It is truly an achievement to add gentleness and soul to a corporate building – well done!
One of the first things you see as you come into the venue is a shelf with flyers, zines and free FFP2 and surgical masks. I was especially interested and happy to see the writing on mutual aid and radical kindness and community. This feeling of being welcome and cared for was further encouraged by the tables providing water, tea and coffee and even biscuits.
The cosy seating area and record player along with the collection of vinyl made me want to snuggle up and listen closely. But on this occasion I was there to see an exhibition and the accompanying film.
I visited as part of the Scottish Queer International Film Festival (SQIFF), which does a great job at prioritising accessibility and communicating access information. I hope my review can expand on that work! When not hosting the Camp Trans exhibition for SQIFF, the Listen Gallery is open for other events and workshops. You can find out about them on Instagram or in their newsletter. You can even get in touch to see whether you could host your own project there!
