Vacant Glasgow West End space to be transformed into artistic hub

A vacant space in Glasgow’s West End is set to be turned into an artistic hub, celebrating street and contemporary works.

SWG3 has announced a new partnership between Yardworks, its street arts and graffiti programme, and Skypark to transform Skypark 7 – a vacant site between Finnieston Street and Exhibition Centre train station.

PARK XR will blend street and contemporary art within a 43,000 sq ft playground, using shipping containers painted at this year’s Yardworks Festival as canvasses for new artwork and light installations.

Artists will be commissioned to create murals, light installations, and innovative art displays.

Bringing digital street art to life, the painted containers will become interactive displays using augmented and virtual reality technology, accessible via an iPhone or smartphone.

The festival will bring street art to life using virtual reality technology. Electric Shores via Supplied

General admission is free and the project will be open to the public from June 14 to June 30.

Each weekend there will be a programme of workshops and activities to learn more about street art, graffiti and digital art led by artists with Invisible Cities also leading informative tours of the artworks.

Gary McKay, Yardworks Studio Director, said: “We’re excited about this new partnership and the possibilities it holds in bringing more new, colourful and exciting artworks to Glasgow.

“We’ve just had the most successful Yardworks yet and cannot wait to show the city the next trick up our sleeve.

“Digital street art opens up endless avenues for exploration, expression, and engagement with street and graffiti arts.”

Skypark’s Strategic Lettings Advisor, Angela Higgins of Resonance Capital said: “Our new collaboration with SWG3 will transform Skypark 7, an outdoor unused space, into a vibrant street gallery, redefining, celebrating and inviting people in to enjoy the space and all that Finnieston has to offer.

“As long standing patrons of the city’s art scene and in collaborating with Glasgow International and The Glasgow School of Art, this new initiative celebrates the spirit of human connection, embracing diverse ideas and us being part of the community.”

Tickets can be purchased in advance here.