Being Co-operative
Being Co-operative is a new exhibition and multi-artists residency project exploring symbols and meaning of being co-operative taking place at The Art Department, Paisley's newest art space!
About Being Co-operative
The project centres on The Art Department, once part of the huge Co-operative Wholesale Society, the buildings of which were founded by the hand-loom weavers, artisans, and industrialists of the Paisley Co-operative & Manufacturing Society (PCMS) established in 1862. Causeyside Street was the hub of the empire.
The exhibition features work from fourteen local artists and hundreds of creative learning workshop participants from in and around Paisley and is a post-pandemic response bringing together artists, creatives, and community participants. Artworks featured in the exhibition are in a variety of mediums including photography; stained glass; collage; printmaking and paintings.
These workshops have been led by artists - Marion Gardyne (collage and printmaking), Lil Brookes (painting and social history), Morwenna Kearsley (photography); Lilja Husmo (costume) and Hector Dyer (weaving) – and participants have produced a body of work which is featured in the show.
Outspoken Arts worked closely with one of the former managers of Co-op, Liz Stewart, who kindly donated a collection of historical photographs and memorabilia and merchandise from past years. Outspoken have created their very own ‘department store’ featuring items from back in the day. There will be an old-fashioned till; old money; dividend stamps and books; adverts from the 60s and clothing and accessories.
A series of themed ‘Islands’ with images and stories of Co-op days gone by have been created where visitors can sit and enjoy videos and look through old photos. ‘The Nation’s Teapot’ display will have its own department and will be featuring homewares from the 50s, 60s and 70s as well as modern pottery from local potter, Karen Hanvidge and glassware from Geraldine McSporran and Lucy Jane Dorrian.
Steven Thomson, Creative Director, Outspoken Arts/The Art Department commented: “Being Co-operative is a response to the overwhelming negative and isolating experiences of the last two years of Covid 19. In this project, we look forward to new ways of being together and co-operating. This is a ‘people’s exhibition’ for the people of Paisley and beyond. Just like the Co-op was for everyone with its ‘cradle to the grave’ ethos. Inspiration has been taken from past co-operatives, referencing the unique places of Paisley, its vibrant social, cultural, and industrial past. Inspired by the legacy of PCMS, we are celebrating 160 years of progress.”
This project is supported by Renfrewshire Council’s Culture, Heritage & Events Fund as part of the Future Paisley programme.
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