Rather a long time has elapsed since the last recap of activity on the CCSE blog (and, therefore, of goings-on at CCSE)…
As it turns out the most recent summary was eons ago, AKA the summer of 2022, meaning that a full recap might be something of a stretch. A gap in the usual posting schedule does, however, provide an opportunity to look back at some highlights, and to signpost some of our upcoming activity; strictly speaking, this falls outside the remit of a ‘review’, but no matter…
CCSE colleagues have continued to develop the suite of work which seeks to support and evaluate Renfrewshire Council’s Future Paisley initiatives. Relatedly, Colin Begg, provided a detailed insight into Paisley Townscape Heritage Conservation Area Scheme 2, and CCSE doctoral researcher Marlene Zijlstra has pondered the challenges of creating genuine, long-lasting change though culture, the consideration of which is a central question for her research. Elsewhere, Marlene discussed some of the grassroots initiatives that have germinated and established themselves in the local area.
Further work in and around the local area has led to the creation of a range of robust and locally relevant resources. Dr Conor Wilson discussed findings from his doctoral research, examining Paisley’s image and the role of culture in place-making processes. Drs Lan Pham and Niclas Hell similarly produced summary overviews of their research, exploring a radical vision for health and wellbeing in Paisley and the public value of festivals and events, respectively. All of this sits alongside other work that has been completed with Future Paisley and its stakeholder activity as a significant consideration. CCSE colleagues have been involved in a range of undertakings aimed at supporting – and collaborating with – Paisley and Renfrewshire’s civic stakeholders and community members, as they strive to achieve their goals. Recently, CCSE’s Prof Sandro Carnicelli co-hosted a workshop as part of the inaugural Renfrewshire Economy Conference and, Renfrewshire Council’s Micaela Leversque reflected on the successful delivery of a collaboratively planned Pathway Programme for local school children.
Elsewhere, CCSE colleagues have continued to engage with a range of research and dissemination opportunities. These have contributed to the Centre’s research profile and, to the development of the knowledge base across areas of foremost research interest at CCSE. Current doctoral research students have racked up the miles in pursuit of data gathering and dissemination opportunities as well as reflecting on their research on the blog. In addition to the locally focused work outlined above, colleagues have developed outputs with significance for policy, strategic and best practice debates across a number of areas.
Relatedly, in the next few weeks CCSE colleagues will host the 2024 edition of our annual symposium; Cultural Regeneration, Policy, Impact & Supporting the Sector will take place on 9th July. A panel discussion featuring Prof Kate Oakley (University of Glasgow), Harman Sagger (DCMS), Tamsin Cox (DHA Communications) & Frances Burns (Renfrewshire Health & Social Care Partnership) will be chaired by Andrew Dixon (Culture Creativity Place). In part, the event is an opportunity to reflect on the successes (and challenges) of the multi-year, large scale cultural investment undertaken through Future Paisley and, to chart a way forward for those championing the role of culture and the arts within and across our civic environments.
Hot on the heels of our symposium, the Leisure Studies Association Conference, (Re)claiming Leisure: Rights, Responsibilities, and Resistance will be hosted on UWS’s Paisley Campus 10th-12th July. Over 160 delegates have registered to attend, hailing from 30 countries. Glasgow Convention Bureau have estimated local economic impact of circa £250,000.
CCSE colleagues have continued to keep busy and, to relay and reflect upon some of that busy-ness here. As ever, very many thanks to CCSE colleagues, associates and friends who take the time to put pen to paper for the blog.
This blog was written by Sophie Mamattah, Research Associate at CCSE.
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