Glasgow: Scotland with Style IN OUR OWN WORDS

Leading voices from Glasgow’s cultural scene have been captured in a new book, which has been launched as the next chapter of the city’s successful branding campaign.

 

Glasgow: Scotland with Style IN OUR OWN WORDS features fourteen essays by prominent Glaswegians – some artists, some designers and other commentators – who make the city their home.  Each has written about their respective areas of expertise to give a fascinating insider’s take on the creative pulse and personality of the city.

 

From Prospect Magazine editor, Penny Lewis on architecture, through to gallery owner, Roger Billcliffe on visual art, the book offers incisive comment on Glasgow’s art, fashion, music, film, design and cultural landscape.

 

Aiming to define modern Glasgow style for visitors to the city, IN OUR OWN WORDS has been produced as the calling card of the new Glasgow City Marketing Bureau (see note to editors), which came into operation on 1^st April 2005 following the reorganisation of Scottish tourism.

 

IN OUR OWN WORDS is the latest in a series of initiatives that harnesses the knowledge and expertise of Glaswegians for the benefit of visitors.  The Insiders’ Guide on www.seeglasgow.com, which was launched in October 04, features top tips on what to see and do in the city from both residents and previous visitors to Glasgow.

 

Commenting on the launch, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau Chairman, Councillor Alex Mosson, said: “Glasgow is recognised as one of the world’s most vibrant cultural cities, with a unique spirit, style and confidence that has produced an impressive array of creative talent over the years.

 

“From the days of the Glasgow Boys, to the international acclaim of our current music scene, there is something about this city that inspires artists and attracts creative people to live and work here.

 

“IN OUR OWN WORDS provides residents and visitors with a fascinating insight into Glasgow’s unique creative heritage and legacy, and the fast paced world of the city’s current cultural landscape.”

 

Dr Stuart MacDonald, Director of The Lighthouse - Scotland’s Centre for Architecture, Design and The City, who is one of the book’s contributors, added: 

 

 

"The creative industries have a vital role to play in Glasgow's economic growth and this initiative harnesses this knowledge in the drive for tourism and inward investment."

 

The new publication will be used to promote the city nationally and internationally.  Full versions of each essay can be viewed at www.seeglasgow.com as can the Insiders’ Guide.

 

 

 

 

 

·         Penny Lewis, Editor of Prospect (architecture)

·         Stuart Robertson, Director, Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society (Charles Rennie Mackintosh)

·         Neil Symington, curator and writer specialising in film (cinema city)

·         John Wallace, Principal, The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (classical music)

·         Neil Mowat, Director, Better Days (contemporary music)

·         Stuart MacDonald, Director, The Lighthouse (design)

·         Jay Richardson, Contributor to The List (going out in Glasgow)

·         Alan Tomkins, Chairman, The Glasgow Restaurateurs Association (gourmet Glasgow)

·         Ashley Page, Artistic Director, Scottish Ballet (performance art)

·         Chris Hunt, Fashion PR and stylist (shopping)

·         Phil Gordon, Sports Reporter, The Times (sport)

·         Jilli Blackwood, Textile Artist (textile design)

·         Gordon Barr, Artistic Director, The Glasgow Repertory Company (theatreland)

·         Roger Billcliffe, Managing Director, The Billcliffe Gallery (visual art)

 

The new Glasgow City Marketing Bureau was launched on 1^st April 2005 to undertake a raft of separate but complementary responsibilities to that of the new VisitScotland - Glasgow network office, which will lead on tourist information services and leisure tourism.  Headed by Chief Executive Scott Taylor and funded by Glasgow City Council with contributions from the private sector, the not-for-profit company has 27 staff engaged in national and international activity comprising:

 

·    Conventions, incentives, events, meetings and exhibition sales

·    Conference and event accommodation bookings

·    Public Relations

·    Development and optimisation of the website: www.seeglasgow.com

 

Both Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and the VisitScotland Glasgow network office operate from 11 George Square.