NEWS
#MyMuseum Katharine Gemmell catches up with Glasgow Women’s Library’s Adele Patrick to hear more about their nomination as Museum of the Year
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T he Glasgow Women’s Library has been recognised for its achievements and innovations by being shortlisted for the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year 2018. The £100,000 prize, supported by the Art Fund, is designed to seek out exceptional museums in the UK, with past winners including the V&A and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. This year it’s the only Scottish nomination (no Scottish museum has won the award) and is the i rst for a museum established with a feminist vision at its heart.
The GWL, situated in the city’s east end, started off as a grassroots organisation when it launched in 1991, and has grown into a cultural institution that attracts a diverse range of users. All of the objects in its collections have been donated and the displays are curated by local women from different communities. As the only accredited museum in the UK dedicated to women’s lives, histories and achievements, it has already achieved the honour of being named a Recognised Collection of National Signii cance.
the question In conjunction with this nomination, the museum has kick-started a public engagement campaign centring on ‘Why a Women’s Museum?’ Adele Patrick, GWL’s Lifelong Learning and Creative Development Manager, tells us that the aim is to show both how the museum works and to display its national relevance. ‘We might be a small community project, but people might not know that we work with Turner Award-winning artists, that we
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are used by researchers from America, or that we opened Glasgow International.’
The nomination and public engagement campaign allows the GWL to share the work that it does, such as the library’s Adult Literacy and Numeracy project. Patrick hopes to show the public that they can’t be put in the box of ‘hand-sewn local community project’ and that they’re a force to be reckoned with in the museums world. Through the hashtag #MyMuseum they want to showcase the varied backgrounds of its users and the uses of the space. The library’s nomination is ultimately a timely recognition because of heightened awareness of the importance of representation and inclusion, and as an overdue nod to this Scottish institution. ‘The fact that we have been selected this time round sends a message about what museums could be in the future,’ says Patrick. ‘They should be for everyone and people should see themselves rel ected in the governance, collections and programming of the museum.’
Other museums on the shortlist include Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, The Postal Museum in London, Ferens Art Gallery in Hull, and Tate St Ives. The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday 5 July at London’s V&A.
To i nd out more about the museum visit womenslibrary.org.uk or use #MyMuseum for support.
KELBURN GARDEN PARTY 2018 This annual arts festival held just outside Largs returns for another year with its unique showcase of all things cultural. Appearing on the musical programme this year is Goldie, A Guy Called Gerald and Dekmantel Soundsystem. Kelburn Castle and Estate, Largs, Fri 29 Jun–Mon 2 Jul. GIN & DISCO FESTIVAL A funky festival making stops in Edinburgh and Glasgow as part of a UK tour. Enjoy favourite gin brands while dancing to disco dons like Crazy P and Greg Wilson. Biscuit Factory, Edinburgh, Sat 30 Jun; SWG3, Glasgow, Sat 21 Jul.
FILM FEST IN THE CITY Free outdoor cinema screenings hosted by Essential Edinburgh return this year to St Andrew Square Garden. Expect favourites like Moulin Rouge!, Paddington 2 and Casablanca. St Andrew Square Garden, Edinburgh, Fri 15–Sun 17 Jun.
EDINBURGH FESTIVALS Both the Fringe and International Festival return this year with yet another packed programme of delights. This year there’s a brand new element to the International Festival in the form of Light on the Shore (see feature, page 49), which includes a programme of genre-defying musical adventures. Keep up with the latest festival news at list.co.uk/festival. Various venues, Edinburgh, Fri 3–Mon 27 Aug. FRINGE BY THE SEA North Berwick’s arts festival is back, under new management and has been extended to a ten-day run. Over 100 events are programmed with offerings from the likes of the Sugarhill Gang and the Furious Five, Mica Paris, Judy Murray and Mark Steel. Various venues, North Berwick, Fri 3–Sun 12 Aug.