Call for Glaswegians to help create art about ongoing race equality battle

Theglasgowwomen’slibrary will form part of a nationwide arts project to commemorate the UK’S race relations laws, with Scots asked to share their memories of the battle for greater equality.

The First Waves project will see artist Scarlett Crawford work with local organisations in six locations across the UK to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1968 Race Relations Act, as well as milestone race equality legislation passed in 1965 and 1976.

Workshops at the Women’s Library from 9-12 May will seek local perspectives on how race equality legislation has changed people’s lives. Artworks created by the Ms Crawford will be exhibited at the Bridgeton venue later this year ahead of an exhibition at Westminster in 2019. Ms Crawford’s pieces will then return to Glasgow.

She said: “I hope to discover the unheard stories of those who were affected by the changes, to honour the contributions of those who led the way, and to inspire future generations of people from all backgrounds to engage with art and politics.”

Dr Adele Patrick of the Glasgow Women’s Library said: “This project will focus on the profound impact on those affected by life inhibiting racist discrimination from the micro to the macro, since the act was passed.”