We were thrilled to welcome Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for a "graffiti tour" of our railway arches.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today visited SWG3 to meet with its charitable arm, Clydeside Initiative for Arts Ltd (CIA) - the organisation behind the venue’s latest graffiti and street art project.
Over the past three weeks, more than 27 artists have taken part in transforming a 200-metre stretch of derelict railway arches along the Clydeside Expressway, spending more than 700 hours painting and spraying.
All of the participating artists contributed their time for the project - with supplies being donated by Montana Cans UK.
The new series of murals act as a brand new community gateway into the Yorkhill area, and as a celebration of SWG3’s commitment to the thriving art of graffiti and mural painting.
Gaz Mac, SWG3 Studio Director and a key driving force behind the venue’s charity, CIA Ltd, said, “It was very special to have the First Minister here today to celebrate the completion of our latest Clydeside Initiative for Arts project. Graffiti and street art is a growing part of Glasgow’s culture and it’s important that people understand its potential for creating positive change within communities.”
Andrew Fleming-Brown, Managing Director of SWG3, said, “The pathway along the Clydeside Expressway is one of the gateways to Yorkhill and Finnieston from the river, and also connects the city centre to the west end, so it’s fantastic to see what was ultimately an unloved facade of arches, brought back to life with these incredible murals. It gives you a sense of what lies behind.
“This is the first step in our plans to further develop the area around SWG3 and Eastvale place, and we’re very excited about it.”
The project, which will be completed today, is supported by the city’s Development and Regeneration Services (GCC), as well as ASB Spray Equipment Service Centre and Brandon Hire Station.
