Glasgow 2014 Announces Community Projects for Games

Glasgow 2014 has joined forces with community arts groups to allow local people to connect with the Commonwealth Games by creating their own original flag designs.

Within Glasgow, three community groups in Toryglen, Partick and Calton have worked with a visual artist on an arts project to design flags that express something about their localities.

These completed works will join the 71 Commonwealth nation and territories’ flags at the Lord Provost’s Parade from George Square to Glasgow Green as part of the Glasgow Show on Saturday July 21.

The communities involved this year are in the clusters around some of the Games venues. They have created flag designs representing their communities using painting, photography and collage.

Councillor Archie Graham, the Chair of Glasgow Life and Executive Member for the Commonweath Games, said: “These Games belong to the people of Glasgow and Scotland and it’s important that communities across the city get involved. This excellent initiative, working with people who live a stone’s throw from Games venues, allows individuals to express creatively what their community means to them. We hope to build a lasting legacy from this project and involve more communities next year as we move closer to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.”

Rachel Mimiec, an artist who worked with the community groups, said: “The work created by the individual participants celebrates a mix of personal memories, local folklore and public occasions. Each flag represents what is important to that individual about their community and there is a real sense of pride in doing so.”

Margaret Woods, participant in Calton, who designed a flag, said: “I really enjoy being part of this art group, it’s got a lot to offer. This project has been good. I came to live in Calton in 1948 and I like where I live. Doing the flags and using local landmarks on them has brought back a few memories for me. I did one design with a symbol of weaving which was previously a big industry in the area. It’s nice to feel involved with the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.”

Paul Zealey, Head of Engagement and Legacy at Glasgow 2014, said: “Glasgow 2014 provides a wide range of opportunities for communities to mark the countdown to the Games and join in local celebrations. We are delighted to showcase the creative talent across the city in our parade of flags marking ‘Two Years to Go’.”