Gaelic arts and culture in Glasgow are set to be supported and strengthened by plan to promote participation and enable engagement
A new plan has been introduced by Glasgow Life to safeguard, strengthen and celebrate Gaelic language, arts, music and culture in Glasgow.
Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 19 February 2025 14:26
Image: Metagama performed at Celtic Connections 2024. The work includes traditional Gaelic song and explores themes of migration, both historic and contemporary. Photo © Kris Kesiak for Glasgow Life.
The Gaelic Arts Plan 2025-2029 aims to nurture and amplify one of Scotland’s most important cultural identities within the city – which has the largest concentration of Gaelic speakers outwith the Western Isles.
The plan’s launch reaffirms the charity’s commitment to deliver and promote a broad spectrum of arts and culture which – reflecting the priorities of Glasgow’s Culture Strategy – are relevant to all of the city’s diverse communities, supporting inclusion, wellbeing, and the local economy.
Glaschu Beò: Plana nan Ealan Gàidhlig will ensure artistic expression in Gaelic, as a living language in Glasgow, is expanded and embedded within the city’s broader cultural offer to widen engagement and increase public participation.
To generate experiences and events which will encourage and inspire existing and new audiences to connect with Gaelic arts, language and culture, the plan sets out an exciting range of initiatives integrated across Glasgow Life’s museums, sports, libraries, learning and community services – as well as major festivals Celtic Connections, Merchant City Festival, Mela, Aye Write, and Glasgow International. The projects are also designed to act as a catalyst for collaborations which will create and cultivate opportunities for creative expression in Gaelic by artists, musicians and writers.
Glasgow Life Senior Projects and Programmes Manager - Arts, Music and Cultural Venues, Katie Duffy, said: “Glasgow has strong, historic links with Gaelic, and while it remains an endangered language, interest and engagement has grown considerably – as was highlighted in the 2022 census which revealed an 84% increase in Glasgow residents with Gaelic skills. We want to build on that and increase appreciation of Gaelic creative expression so we can boost its social and economic impact by ensuring it is an integral part of Glasgow’s cultural offer.
“Glasgow Life’s work is based on a belief in the power of the arts to enrich lives and strengthen cultural identity. Reflecting that, our new Gaelic Arts Plan will forge a pathway for Gaelic culture, arts and music to thrive in our modern, multicultural city by engaging city communities and visitors in relevant ways – for both Gaelic speakers as well as those who have no experience of the language or culture.”
The plan is designed to build on Glasgow’s achievements over the past 21 years to develop and celebrate Gaelic through programmes, projects and events which encourage participation. As a result, Gaelic arts now make a significant economic contribution and social impact to Glasgow. Highlights of the city’s cultural calendar that incorporate Gaelic elements in their programmes generate an estimated £11.5 million annually for the local economy.
Over the past two decades, strategies to boost the benefits Gaelic generates for Glasgow have led to a number of important and innovative initiatives – including the introduction in 2018 of the pioneering GUIR! incubator programme for new and emerging Gaelic artists. Delivered in partnership with National Theatre of Scotland, Tramway, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and Sabhal Mor Ostaig (the Gaelic College on Skye), GUIR! has supported 29 artists to date, and its latest funding round is currently underway.
The Gaelic Arts Plan sets out intentions to increase the impact and benefits of the well-established, successful programme by extending it further. In addition, the development of Gaelic Arts for GUIR! Associated Artists (GAGAA) will create a dynamic community of practice for artists through workshops.
Highlights of other initiatives noted in the Gaelic Arts Plan include:
• Cèilidh a’ Bhaile Mhòir: Following the success of an initial pilot at Celtic Connections 2025, the introduction of an inclusive, inter-generational cèilidh to offer people from all backgrounds an opportunity to experience Gaelic through music, dance and poetry – with three of these events a year taking place in venues across the city
• Gaelic musical pathways for youth: Creating a comprehensive music programme for ages 0 - 25, to foster talent and cultural engagement by children and young people
• Fèis Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu: Supporting the growth of the annual arts tuition festival by introducing new events, such as the Fèis nan Deugairean for teenagers– which was also recently piloted at Celtic Connections 2025
• Community collaboration: Partnering with Glasgow’s five Gaelic schools to integrate arts into the curriculum, and promote creative learning by including community drama initiatives, such as the Litir gu Glaschu (Letter to Glasgow) competition and Bàrd Baile Ghlaschu (Gaelic Bard for Glasgow)
• Cultural milestones: Celebrating Glasgow’s 850th anniversary throughout 2025 with Gaelic programming and a contemporary exhibition on urban Gaelic identity
• Royal National Mòd: Supporting the return to Glasgow of the event in 2026, through fringe activity
All of the projects share a key aim of enabling deeper connections and understanding between Gaelic heritage and contemporary society. This will ensure Gaelic remains a vibrant, integral part of Glasgow’s cultural fabric for generations to come, supporting local communities, as well as the city’s creative industries, tourism and events sectors, and economy.
The Gaelic Arts Plan was developed following broad consultation, and at its heart is cross-sector collaboration. To ensure meaningful programmes that increase engagement and impact are developed and delivered, Glasgow Life is working with a diverse range of partners – including Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Gaelic Books Council, Gaelic Books Council, Ceòl ‘s Craic, the University of Glasgow, Fèis Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu, An Lòchran, Theatre gu Leòr, and the five Gaelic Meidum Schools across the city.
Ealasaid MacDonald, Ceannard (CEO) of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig welcomes the launch of Glasgow Life’s innovative Glaschu Beò: Plana nan Ealan Gàidhlig at this exciting time for Gaelic arts in the city. We look forward to working with the charity and its partners to implement these proposals which will encourage, inspire and enable artists, organisations and communities across Glasgow to use Gaelic.”
The Gaelic Arts Plan 2025-2029 can be accessed in both English and Gaelic here and further information on its aims is noted below. Details on Glasgow Life Gaelic programmes and events can be found here.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers
A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.
READ MORE
David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month
Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
Olivier Award nominated star announced as part of cast of The Bodyguard
Award-winning smash hit musical The Bodyguard will star international leading lady Sidonie Smith as Rachel Marron and Olivier Award nominee Adam Garcia as Frank Farmer when it comes to Glasgow!
READ MORE
Charity Super.Mkt marks 1 year milestone with longest serving location in Glasgow
The 'department store for second-hand style', Charity Super.Mkt, in Buchanan Galleries is celebrating one year this May, proudly marking its longest-running store to date.
READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors
2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.
READ MORE
Comedy giants get The Last Laugh in new show coming to Glasgow following EdFringe and West End runs
The Last Laugh will arrive at Glasgow's Theatre Royal this summer following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe!
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical
Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day
For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MORE
Daniel Casey to star as Inspector Barnaby in Scottish premiere of Midsomer Murders
Original cast member of Midsomer Murders, Daniel Casey, joins new stage adaptation making its Scottish premiere at the Theatre Royal Glasgow in February.
READ MORE
Strictly champ Ore Oduba joins Picture You Dead ahead of performances at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
See the bestselling DSI Roy Grace book by Peter James on stage for the first time at Glasgow's Theatre Royal from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th June.
READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience
This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes
Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland
The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT
Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.
READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15
To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORE
Lychee Oriental expands with second Glasgow location
Lychee Oriental, Glasgow's modern Cantonese restaurant, will launch its second location in the city's Southside tomorrow.
READ MORE
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORE
PAWsitive Vibes Only: Bookface Sip, Swap & Support for Refuweegee... and Dogs are Welcome!
Calling all bookworms and their four-legged friends... this could be the ulti-mutt afternoon you've been waiting for!
READ MORE
Thousands of school children get taste for Glasgow 850 celebrations
Glasgow children are getting behind their city’s 850th birthday celebrations as a week-long Glasgow 850 Schools' Festival gets underway at primary schools across the city.
READ MORE
Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MORE
Market set to bring flavours and crafts from around the world to Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond Shores is hosting a continental market on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of May!
READ MORE
The Big Yin! Hoolie in the Hydro to applaud Glasgow legend Sir Billy Connolly
Scotland's biggest night of traditional music Hoolie in the Hydro will celebrate Glasgow comedy and folk music legend Sir Billy Connolly in larger-than-life style later this year!
READ MORE
Extra Event: NY Times Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell heads to the Bookface Sip & Swap in Glasgow
Due to high demand, an extra Bookface Sip & Swap event with Lisa Jewell will take place on Tuesday 8th July at Saints of Ingram, Glasgow, from 12.30–3.30pm.
READ MORE
Kiltwalk celebrates fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers
Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 attracted so many kind-hearted walkers this weekend that organisers had to add an extra day to create the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk!
READ MORE
Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year
Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.
READ MORE
30,000 Expected as Ashton Lane Street Party Returns for West End Fest 2025
The epic Ashton Lane Summer Street Party is back for West End Fest 2025, taking over the cobbled lane for a full weekend of live music, street performers, DJs, street food and alfresco drinks!
READ MORE
Line up announced for Laugh In The Park
Laugh in the Park, Glasgow Southside's annual comedy festival, has announced their line up featuring nine of the absolute best performers to be found in Scotland!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links