Welcoming our SGS@40 Project Co-ordinators!

We’re celebrating the start of our 40th anniversary year by welcoming our new SGS @ 40 project co-ordinators on board, thanks to support from the Creative Scotland Open Project Fund.

Tracey Kelly and Karen Shaw from creative agency Vis a Vis will be working with members across the country to create a programme of exhibitions and artists talks celebrating both the rich history of glass in Scotland and the innovative contemporary glass scene.

This will include a juried exhibition of work, a member’s open exhibition and a retrospective spanning work created by members since the society’s inception in 1979. The team will also work together to create a pilot audio tour of glass highlights in Edinburgh to allow locals and visitors alike to explore the city’s hidden gems.

Meanwhile, creative freelancer Kirsten Gow will be looking to the future to examine how we can continue to support and promote both the work of its members and the wider glass sector beyond the 40th anniversary celebrations. This will involve using feedback from members and key players in the sector to create a five-year development plan for the society.

Over the last 40 years SGS has developed a programme of annual exhibitions; issued regular publications on Scottish glass; offered bursaries for professional development; and facilitated a membership network which has supported the creative glass sector in Scotland.

This exciting project aims to celebrate the work of the Scottish Glass Society and our members over the last 40 years, whilst also endeavouring to establish a firm foundation for the future of the society.

“We’re delighted to welcome our co-ordinators on board”, explained Catherine Lowe, SGS Chair, “Vis a Vis are an established creative agency supporting the growth of creative organisations, having guided profile – raising, income generation and project management for national destinations and festivals.

“Kirsten Gow has a range of experience in the glass sector and beyond – working for the society on the 2016 Celebration of Scottish Glass as well as developing policy for national arts bodies and several of Creative Scotland’s Regularly Funded Organisations.”

“Our voluntary committee has worked hard to promote our artists and the sector for the last 40 years and we are grateful to Creative Scotland for their support to help us celebrate this fact and ensure the Scottish Glass Society remains relevant and valuable to its members in the future.”

For more information on the SGS@40 project, keep an eye on our website or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

SGS@40 is supported by Creative Scotland