Making Media with a Difference

"Every conflict is in part a battle over the story we tell, or who tells and who is heard."  

Rebecca Solnit, activist and writer 

Since Clydesider Creative started in 2015 with the aim of doing media differently, we have created media spaces and community activities where the voices and experiences from our communities can be heard, understood and respected. 

This all began in 2014 with a handful of friends meeting in a flat in Bowling. 

Only one came from a media background, the others bought expertise in recovery, mental health, welfare rights, creativity and conservation and all had a passion for the local community they had lived and worked in most their lives. 

As we shared the idea, we were quickly joined by others offering their own skills, knowledge and time.  

We met sporadically in community centres and libraries – articles, poems, photos, music, cartoons and lots more ideas were shared as our numbers grew. 

Despite the enthusiasm it took over a year to secure a small grant to cover the initial print and start-up costs.   

Another nine months passed until finally in September 2016 10,000 copies of Issue 1 were delivered – Clydesider magazine had arrived! 

And suddenly we’re 10 years old…a selection of our highlights from the past decade are included in this feature – they are many and varied and I’m proud of every one of them. 

But the thing that gives me most joy and pride are the people who have been part of this incredible journey – our volunteers, staff, advertisers, funders and wider community. 

They have all helped in so many different ways, giving generously of their time, talents and resources, so together we have been able to make Clydesider so much more than a magazine. 

I’m excited to see what the next 10 years bring….