The aim of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme is to showcase the best of Scottish culture alongside creative work from across the Commonwealth and be a nationwide celebration of the Games.

The programme, which is a collaboration between Glasgow 2014, Creative Scotland and Glasgow Life, will run from the one year to go milestone next Tuesday until the end of August next year and will feature theatrical, dance, music, visual arts, comedy and multimedia performances and events in indoor and outdoor venues throughout Scotland.

It is comprised of two separate elements – Culture 2014 and Festival 2014.

Culture 2014 will focus on Scottish events over the coming year as the countdown to the Games continues, and will coincide with the Queen's Baton Relay as it passes through the cities, towns and communities of the country.

Festival 2014 will run alongside the Games themselves and will see a variety of entertainment, cultural and sporting events taking place across the city.


Highlights of some of the events planned for the Cultural Programme over the next twelve months include the "Big Big Sing", which will see a range of singing events taking place across Scotland; "Perch" – an aerial and street theatre performance with coordinated shows taking place in Scotland, Austria and Brazil; and "News Just In" which will take a satirical and humorous look at the behind the scenes stress involved in organising an international event like the Commonwealth Games.

Other highlights include storytelling workshops called "Bluebock Studio" and the "Julia Donaldson Cycling Marathon" which will see actor and theatre maker Tam Dean Burn cycling across Scotland to read all of former Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson's 167 books to children.

"The Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme will certainly complement the drama and excitement of live sport that will take over the city and its venues at Games time," said Commonwealth Games Scotland chief executive Jon Doig.

"We very much welcome today's announcement which I am sure will create an electric atmosphere in Glasgow and around Scotland in the build-up to the athletes taking centre stage next year and right throughout the competition."

Director of Ceremonies, Culture and Queen's Baton Relay at Glasgow 2014 and chief executive of Glasgow Life, Bridget McConnell said: "This is a chance for Scotland and Glasgow to shine and to celebrate and enjoy the very finest of our incredible creative talent.

"We want everyone to get involved, whether enjoying a performance or taking part, everyone can be part of the Games and feel proud of our great cultural heritage."


In addition, Glasgow 2014 has confirmed that a disused site near to the Emirates Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in the east end of Glasgow will be transformed by a public artwork led by artist Ruth Ewan, which will see an outdoor learning and play area created as part of an initiative called "Making the Most of Dalmarnock".

An exhibition celebrating 25 years of contemporary art in Scotland, "Generation", and the first ever "New Music Biennial", including performances of 20 new commissions in Glasgow will take place on August 2 and 3, as part of Festival 2014.

New branding, designed by renowned Scottish artist Jim Lambie, was also unveiled to help promote the countdown to the Games.

Lambie's design is based on the famous star-clad façade of Glasgow's Barrowland Ballroom located in the east end of the city.

"I was delighted to be asked to design the cultural symbol for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games," said Lambie.

"One of the most significant cultural contributions to Glasgow has been Glasgow Barrowlands.

"This became an important reference within the design process.

"Its iconic 'shooting star' emblem has been placed central within the Cultural Programme's identity, while maintaining continuity with the overall image of the Games."

The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games take place from July 23 until August 3 next year.

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