Article Source: Glasgow City Council
Last Updated: 11 September 2021 7:52
In the shadow of the Kingston Bridge on a traffic island in the middle of a busy road junction, Anderston Station entrance is undergoing a quiet facelift. Recent visitors may have noticed a splash of colour as a new striking design has appeared at the entrance of this important thoroughfare, in addition to some new greenery and benches.
With 50 days until the landmark Conference of the Parties (COP26) climate summit, Glasgow City Council is collaborating with Bloomberg Philanthropies to help deliver a legacy for the city and its residents. Starting with an innovative Asphalt Art installation at the entrance of Anderston Station, Glasgow joins a select group of international cities supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies to transform and revitalise public spaces through the power of art.
As one of the first cities in the UK to apply for the US Asphalt Art Initiative grants by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Glasgow City Council is using art and community engagement to improve street safety, revitalise public space and engage local communities.
The Asphalt Art Initiative is responding to the growing number of cities around the world embracing art as an effective and relatively low-cost strategy to activate their streets, with interventions on plazas and pavements, crossings and intersections and other transportation infrastructure. The grant programme is designed not just to create vibrant new public spaces but also to build city capacity for working with local artists and community groups on projects involving transportation infrastructure.
The opportunity and benefits of improving the area were identified as part of the Council’s City Centre Strategy and District Regeneration Plans, creating an opportunity to work with Bloomberg Philanthropies. Marrying public safety with public art, the programme provides cities with funding to transform unsightly streetscapes with community-involved design projects.
The design team led by Civic Engineers and designer Gabriella Marcella have worked to improve the connection to and from the city centre. The striking design, developed by Gabriella, was influenced by the introduction of an experimental raingarden on the site. As an attractive way to reduce flood risk and treat surface water runoff from the nearby M8, raingardens provide additional biodiversity and a greater sense of place to city centre streetscapes.
Deputy Leader of Glasgow City Council, Cllr David McDonald, said: “The Council has been delighted to partner with the prestigious Bloomberg Philanthropies on our journey towards COP26. We’ve engaged in a range of discussions on areas of shared interest about the environment, arts and culture, and community involvement.
“One of the first fruits of this collaboration has been the innovative Asphalt Art installation, which puts Glasgow in a select group of cities supported by Bloomberg to transform and revitalise a public space through the power of art.
“There are other projects underway which will be revealed soon, with Glasgow also benefitting from connecting with some of the world’s biggest cities in the run up to and during COP through the C40 network, of which Michael Bloomberg is president. This partnership work is a direct benefit of our host city role and is already delivering a legacy for Glasgow and Glaswegians.”
Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies said: “Asphalt Art Projects can help cities rebuild from the pandemic by reinvigorating streets and making them safer, while also lifting spirits. As we’ve seen through our work in cities around the world, vibrant public artwork and smarter street design can inspire residents, build relationships between artists and the community, and help cities recover stronger than before.”
Designer Gabriella Marcella said: “I'm delighted that the project is in its final stages, and the public have been able to see our work progress in real-time. It's been a challenging site to work across, but the giant graphics and colour have prevailed!
“I hope the finished work brings a smile to people's faces as they pass by, and encourages thoughts around water, and how we might rethink our relationship to it in our wonderful, and sometimes rainy, city!”
Isla Jackson, Director, Civic Engineers said: “This fantastic project helps to make this area a more inclusive, more climate resilient, safer place. It is a great example of true collaboration with the community and across industries, with everyone’s contributions focused on improving connectivity between the west end and the centre and ultimately helping to make our city healthier and more attractive.”
Meanwhile, around Anderston Station, it is hoped the completion of the artwork, addition of benches and raingardens will provide cheer to passengers and local alike as the city continues to re-open and recover from the pandemic.
ButeFest, the much-loved family-friendly music festival on the Isle of Bute, has confirmed the lineup for this year's edition, set to take place between Friday 26th - Sunday 28th July.
READ MOREAye Write has confirmed stand-alone events and a smaller-scale version of Wee Write in 2024, instead of the full festival going ahead.
READ MOREGlasgow Cocktail Week has unveiled a series of cocktail trails mapping out the very best discounted drinks across the city including its first ever 'No and Low' trail.
READ MOREScotland's home of country, Maggie's Rock 'n' Rodeo, is inviting folk to grab the mic at its new Sunday afternoon event – The Hoedown Hoe-K-Oke, launching Sunday 5th May!
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MOREBroadway and West End phenomenon Kinky Boots The Musical, is strutting back to Glasgow in a brand-new production starring Strictly's Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge!
READ MOREThe People's Palace, Glasgow will close its doors for the final time on Sunday 14th April, ahead of a major refurbishment.
READ MOREDon't miss out on the Baby & Toddler Show when it returns to Glasgow at the SEC, Glasgow on 19th - 21st April!
READ MOREThe Theatre Royal, Glasgow is one the latest venues set to see the National Theatre's global smash-hit production of War Horse visit as part of a major 18-month UK and Ireland tour.
READ MOREWith a new season brings new flavours and Glasgow Restaurant Week is set to shine a spotlight on the very best dishes and delights the city has to offer, when it kicks off tomorrow!
READ MOREFollowing its purchase by M Core in February, Buchanan Street’s iconic Princes Square has announced a trio of new tenants who will be opening stores in the centre.
READ MORECalling all golfers! Topgolf Glasgow is hosting 'The Final Round – Live' on Sunday 14th April, it's an unmissable event to celebrate golf's most prestigious tournament!
READ MOREA project set up to ensure culture and heritage are at the heart of the regeneration of Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street has secured a significant grant to help achieve its vision.
READ MOREEnergy efficiency will take centre stage at this year’s Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, sponsored by Fleming Homes, when it returns to the SEC, Glasgow on 11-12 May 2024.
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MOREGlasgow International Comedy Festival has revealed 2024's edition was a record-breaking year, with the highest number of shows in the festival's history!
READ MOREGlasgow East End-based and artist-led charity Strange Field announces its first programme of major exhibitions and events.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MOREA critically acclaimed show loved by theatre lovers around the world has announced it will be partnering with a leading Scottish charity to raise vital funds for LGBTQ+ young people.
READ MOREThis year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MOREWith three weeks to go until Glasgow Cocktail Week takes over the city, the festival has announced an eclectic mix of masterclasses, unique events, and tasting sessions!
READ MOREThis April, Glasgow favourites, El Perro Negro and Ka Pao are joining forces for a tantalising collaboration!
READ MOREThe Glasgow Comedy Club, from the team behind Max's Bar and Room 2, have announced a brand new regular Saturday Night comedy show in Max's Basement launching this Saturday!
READ MOREMatthew Bourne's magical dance production of the classic Tim Burton movie Edward Scissorhands is coming to the Theatre Royal Glasgow in May!
READ MOREWrestlemania 40 is just around the corner and Maggie's Rock 'n' Rodeo has announced it'll be showing all the action live on Sunday 7th April!
READ MORESusie McCabe is the winner of the second Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award announced at Glasgow International Comedy Festival's Comedy Gala on Saturday afternoon.
READ MOREProvand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow, will host a series of family-friendly activities during the Easter school holidays to mark its reopening.
READ MOREStaring X-Factor winner and legend Sam Bailey and Strictly Come Dancing royalty Kevin Clifton, Everybody's Talking About Jamie comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow in May!
READ MORECreative Oceanic powered by Oceanic Awards is proud to announce the 7th Scottish Hospitality Awards 2024.
READ MOREScotland's first listening bar opens this weekend with a programme of impressive global DJs and exceptional sound quality set to soundtrack Glasgow.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"