Welcome to Being Co-operative

Welcome to the Being Co-operative Exhibition. This exciting new group show has been inspired by the legacy of the former Paisley Co-operative & Manufacturing Society (1862).

The Art Department’s Causeyside Street premises was founded by hand-loom weavers
to address the need for renewed industry and co-operation around textile manufacturing which was rapidly becoming mechanised and threatening labour, income, and social stability. This great period of industrial change and social upheaval reminds us all too well of the lessons of the last few years.

This new group show has been led by five artists who are painters, photographers, heritage specialists, weavers and costumiers, along with dozens of participants to reimagine the vast cornucopia of wares that PCMS once housed. They have examined the architecture, reimagined the stores departments, and created an abundance of artworks to bring us colour and a little collective joy in these troubled times of economic woe.

The exhibition features painting, prints, homewares, furniture, ceramics, glassware, textiles, photographs and memorabilia from yesteryear. Many works are also for sale.

As we enter the next quarter of the 21st century we look forward to a world shaped by values,
by kindness and humanity, and by a spirit of inclusion that is less judgemental. We believe art is for everyone and the experience of art, the making of it, the taking part, is a bold act of representation that belongs to us all. We hope you enjoy this new show and encourage you to visit The Art Department and see Paisley, Scotland’s largest town.

This exhibition has been supported with funds from Renfrewshire Council’s Culture, Heritage & Events Fund.
The fund is administered by One Ren on behalf of Renfrewshire Council. It is part of Future Paisley, the council-led programme of events, activity, and targeted investment which is using Paisley’s unique and internationally-significant story to change its future.