Although this exhibition not in the GoMA building, I have been working with the artists, 198 Contemporary Art and Learning and Tramway to bring To Gypsyland to Glasgow as part of a national tour. When I met Delaine Le Bas and Barby Asante in July last year they were in Glasgow to visit locations to see if they work for an exhibition they were hoping to tour up here. I had set up a few meetings with people in various venues and we had begun to talk about how To Gyspyland might work in Glasgow.

At the time we had a really interesting meeting at Tramway and it seemed to be serendipity that they were bringing a Dorky Park production Open for Everything over to Glasgow around the same time that Delaine and Barby were hoping to tour the exhibition. Nine months later and here we are a week before the opening, which is really exciting.

Delaine has already been up to Glasgow a couple of times this year to meet with people from the Roma, Scottish Traveller and Gypsy communities and from all accounts it sounds like there are some really interesting conversations and new works happening.

To Gyspyland has already had a physical manifestation at 198 Contemporary Art and Learning in London, which proved incredibly exciting and really rich in conversations and possibilities. Delaine has been keeping a blog which you can catch up with the tour so far and you can follow To Gypsyland on twitter and facebook for more information. To Gypsyland will also be travelling to Bolton and Peterborough after Glasgow.

Meanwhile at Tramway there are some exciting events and chances to meet with Delaine listed below and it would be lovely to see people at the opening on 26 April 5 -7pm.

EVENTS:

Meet the Artist
Tuesday 23rd – Thursday 25th April
5pm – 7pm
In Tramway’s Upper Foyer Exhibition Space

An informal and free opportunity for members of the local Roma, Scottish Traveller and Gypsy communities

To meet with artist Delaine Le Bas, share stories, memories and experiences of life in Scotland,and potentially become part of the exhibition. Just turn up no booking required.

Exhibition Opening Event – All Welcome
Friday 26th April
5pm – 7pm
in Tramway’s Upper Foyer Exhibition Space

First chance to see the exhibition and meet the artists, featuring performance by local Govanhill-based youth dance group Romane Jakha

Free and refreshments will be provided.

Artists Talk Event
Sunday 28th April
2pm – 4pm
in Tramway’s Upper Foyer Exhibition Space

A free event featuring presentations, spoken word and traditional song.

Featuring artist Delaine Le Bas, Curator Barby Asante, collaborating artists Shamus McPhee, Jess Smith, and Damien Le Bas.

Presented in association with 198 Contemporary Art and Learning.