Latest Posts in Arts & Culture

In our latest segment of My Life Before Govanhill, A South London–born creative reflects on mixed heritage, film, community and belonging, tracing a journey through museums, grassroots arts and finally finding home, friendship and inspiration in Govanhill.

The full programme for the Glasgow Film Festival has been announced. This year’s festival opens with Felipe Bustos Sierra’s film Everybody to Kenmure Street in February and closes with the screening of James McAvoy’s new film California Schemin’ in March.

A Youtuber famous for his stunts online helped owner Zak transform his business into a mock-McDonald’s drive-thru, serving up free food to punters poached from the real McDonald’s nearby in a bid to help the struggling local restaurant compete with the big burger chains nearby.

In 2021 hundreds organised in Pollokshields’ Kenmure Street, preventing the UK Home Office from taking their neighbours during a dawn raid. Five years later, filmmaker Felipe Busto Sierra, premiers, Everybody to Kenmure Street, at the 2026 Glasgow Film Festival, documenting the events of the day.

“No one is illegal, we are all equal” is the message of Makongo’s debut album ‘Passport’. In this article Makongo vocalist Ngana talks about the sounds, themes and inspiration behind their new album, and shares details for their upcoming gig at The Glad.

Join Pat the Pigeon on a journey to the bakery in this comic strip, which featured in Issue 19 of Greater Govanhill. Pat the Pigeon was created by Kirsty Ken English, an artist, illustrator and educator based in the Southside. Follow them on Instagram for more Pat the Pigeon.

Recently retired after 35 years working in community education Southsider and charity shop frequenter, Jen Dawson isn’t slowing down – she’s shifting focus. She’s planning to offer baby massages, storytelling and early-years sessions based in Govanhill. Her style? Comfort with character.

Join writer Cat Cochrane on a journey through the Southside’s many salons and barbers as she gets to know the people behind the chair. In this edition, get to know the duo behind Michael Rogers’ Hair Salon, married couple Michael and Irene, and their son Chris.

Glasgow’s iconic Citizens Theatre, which has been a cornerstone of Glasgow’s cultural landscape since 1878, has finally reopened its doors following an extensive redevelopment project which lasted seven years. 

A new community survey reveals that the majority of LGBTQ+ players in the Southside feel unsafe in mainstream football environments. But for those who’ve found queer football spaces, the game has become a source of joy, safety and belonging.

The Southside will come alive with colour, music and pedal power this Saturday as families join the city’s first ever Kidical Mass ride — a global movement turning streets into safe spaces for children to cycle, play and be heard.

Join us at Tramway on Saturday 23 August for Greater Govanhill LIVE: Stories From Our Streets – a free day of workshops, performances, and exhibitions celebrating Glasgow 850, our neighbourhood, and the diverse voices that make it unique.

The sun shone as music, movement and solidarity spilled across the street of Govanhill on 10 August for the return of the Govanhill Street Music Festival. Our photographers were out capturing the colourful performances.

The Street Music Festival is taking place all afternoon into the evening this Sunday and we’ve got the line-up for you, including times and places of performances happening this weekend.

AI is no passing fad – it’s already embedded in everyday tech and growing fast. With concerns around ownership, safety and fairness, the challenge now is how we regulate it. David Doren speaks to people across generations to explore hopes, fears, and what comes next.

Running a local Facebook group in Govanhill means more than sharing events – it’s about challenging stigma. In this article, we speak to Marian McSeveney and Fatima Uygun, the people behind Govanhill Go! and I Love Govanhill, to find out what it’s really like to manage these online communities.

Sufi scholars and artists gathered to share wisdom, poetry and prayer at this year’s Sufi Festival. Sadia Sikander spoke to attendees and performers and we showcase a selection of galleries from our Greater Govanhill photography team.

From daily vlogs to street interviews and food reviews, Glasgow’s influencer scene is rapidly expanding – using social media to curate an online identity that connects people across Glasgow and beyond. We met some of the people behind the accounts.

The Govanhill International Festival & Carnival returns this August and we’ve got all the info about what’s happening this year, including with our Greater Govanhill storybooth event. Scroll down for the full programme.

Often misattributed to a colliery owner’s daughter, Allison Street’s name is tied to an anti-union baronet. In this piece, writer Stacey dives into Allison Street’s complex history, architecture and diverse communities shaping the Street.

Writer Laura Vroomen sets off to discover shops that have been lost and those which are likely to survive – meeting shopkeepers, neighbours, and newcomers to uncover how a changing retail landscape reflects a community in flux.

Roma community artist Marie Balogova, an ordinary woman with a genetic eye defect, held her first ever solo exhibition on Saturday 21 marking mark Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. Her exhibition titled ‘Her, who sees differently’ explores themes of identity, faith and inner world through abstract paintings. This is an insight into the event through photography and the words of the artist herself.

As part of Refugee Festival Scotland, artist Sadia Sikander shares the inspiration behind their powerful exhibitions. Sadia’s Unwritten Milestones captures the hidden struggles of asylum seekers in limbo, using portraiture to reflect on resilience, mental health, and the urgent need for change.