Artist sets up workshops for locals to explore new types of exchange
THE PEOPLE'S BANK OF GOVANHILL will host a series of workshops and events across the south side of Glasgow as part of plans to expand its new local currency.
Artist Ailie Rutherford is to create a local alternative currency for the Govanhill area to learn about different methods of exchange and credit.
This year will see a host of events put on to engage local people about the local currency, local economy and ideas of value and distribution.
"The project comes at a time when there is a lot of discussion about the future of our economy and future currency of Scotland and an increased interest in more localised forms of alternative economics." Ailie Rutherford
Jim Monaghan, spokesperson for Govanhill Baths Community Trust said: "Govanhill is the most ethnically diverse area outside of London.
"While that brings a certain vibrancy and excitement to the area some of the communities are quite isolated and separated. Projects like this, The People’s Bank of Govanhill, encourage community ownership, something that everyone shares."
The idea of a local currency was first begun by Ailie Rutherford during her artist residency at Govanhill Baths last year.
Initially the idea was to have a series of pop-up currency experiments and exchanges as part of her future archive for Govanhill Baths.
But due to what the trust itself called "overwhelming popular demand" by locals, there was a hunger for the currency to be expanded and for ideas on how it could be a permanent feature of exchange in the local area.
"Projects like this, The People’s Bank of Govanhill, encourage community ownership, something that everyone shares." Jim Monaghan
Commenting on the events and project, Ailie Rutherford said: "The Govanhill Gambling events invite people to pledge favours in return for Govanhill notes to play the game, combining the idea of time-banking with a community games night."
"The project comes at a time when there is a lot of discussion about the future of our economy and future currency of Scotland and an increased interest in more localised forms of alternative economics.
"The People's Bank of Govanhill is a ground-up approach to creating something that is relevant and useful for a diverse community, democratising the conversation about currency, encouraging people to get involved in re-thinking their local economy."
"The project takes as it’s starting point Govanhill’s already thriving alternative economy, considering the diversity and richness of the local community as a form of wealth."
The People’s Bank of Govanhill is supported by South East Vibrancy Fund, Govanhill Baths Community Trust and Creative Scotland.
"This imaginative project will stimulate debate about systems of value and worth, inspiring members of the public to explore new and alternative forms of currency." Leonine Bell
As part of ‘Govanhill Gambling Weekend’, previous events since September 16 have been organised into a series of ongoing workshops and events that have been held in local cafes, libraries, community centres and on the street.
The focus of the events will look at questions such as: ‘What can we do to take back our economy?’ and ‘What could the Govanhill currency be used for?’
Leonie Bell, director, arts and engagement at Creative Scotland said: "This imaginative project will stimulate debate about systems of value and worth, inspiring members of the public to explore new and alternative forms of currency.
"The collaboration between Ailie Rutherford and the community of Govanhill sees them responding to the unique qualities of this area, its culture and its people highlighting the contribution that artists make to the social and cultural life of Scotland and the relevance and reach of their work."
Picture courtesy of Ailie Rutherford
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