13/06/2026
Last night, the team were invited by to attend the latest discussion at the UoG’s Advanced Research Centre. 🎤
The discussion brought together academics, artists, cultural leaders and policy experts to explore whether a guaranteed income could help artists create, innovate and contribute more to society without constantly worrying about how they’ll pay the bills.
Geek Planet, a not-for-profit project set up by Frank McGowan and his partner Martin Griffith attended with members of the team and their own Artist in Residence, Bex, who spoke passionately about the barriers many creative people face in and .
From financial hardship and caring responsibilities to disability, mental health challenges, lack of affordable space, and unequal access to opportunities for those in the North of Glasgow, there are still far too many talented people who never get the chance to fully realise their creative potential.
Could a basic income for artists help working-class communities to pursue a career in the arts? Or, should funding instead be invested directly into community projects, creative spaces, training opportunities and grassroots organisations? Or perhaps both? 💪
At , we believe creativity, arts, culture and heritage should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. That’s why we’re excited to soon announce a new programme in partnership with third-sector organisations in North Glasgow designed to help more people in our community engage with creative activities, local heritage, storytelling, arts and culture.
What creative activities would you like to see locally? What aspects of local culture and heritage should we be celebrating?What opportunities are currently missing? What would help YOU get involved?
A huge thank you to Rosemary James Beith and everyone at for inviting us to take part in such an important conversation.
Thanks also to Professor Mark Banks for chairing an engaging and thought-provoking discussion, and to the excellent panel; Kate Oakley, Paraic Mc Quaid, Cleo Goodman, LJ Findlay-Walsh and Briana Pegado.
