Useful information on the themes of our upcoming exhibition.
Being Co-operative is a response to the pandemic where all of our lives were impacted by loss and a sense of disconnection from Society. During the 2020-2021 pandemic our working and family lives were heavily curtailed and to recover from that time we need a new sense of coming together in harmony, fellowship, and a return to creativity.
This project looks at the unique history of the Co-operative movement, both in Paisley, Scotland and across the UK. It references our unique site of the exhibition the former headquarters of Paisley Co-operative & Manufacturing Society
We are asking artists and participants to make and submit work that responds to the theme of being co-operative. That could involve drawing inspiration from some of the following reference points:
- Caring for others
- Democracy
- Equity
- Equality
- Honesty
- Openness
- Self-help
- Self-responsibility
- Solidarity
- Social responsibility
Artisan crafts – Home of Scottish Contemporary Craft – Craft Scotland
Collaboration: work made in partnership with other artists or community participants [link]
Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society –
- adverts from 1950s-1970s
- Hendry’s Cola
- Save in 1969
- Come Co-operative Shopping
- Australia Week
- Margarine Cartoon
- Orchid Butter
- Unitas Oats
- Meet the Stars
- Co-op ‘Lofty Peak Flour’ advertisements
- Out for Value (clip 2)
- Mid-Century homewares & produce
- Savings Stamps & Dividends
- Buildings & Architecture
- Art Deco & Art Nouveau movement
- Textiles, Clothing & Fashions
