Spin cities: Behind the Art

Spin gives people the opportunity to really get their teeth into contemporary art. A members group first set up in Edinburgh in 2003, Spin holds monthly events that help broaden participants’ understanding of contemporary art. It works on the basic principle that the best way to approach art is through discussion, inviting artists and curators along to chat about their work.

Led by Visual Arts Officer at Glasgow Life Lesley Hepburn, Spin first started at the National Galleries of Edinburgh nearly ten years ago, with Glasgow adopting the model three years after. “Spin offers its participants deeper inroads into the work via discussion and presentations from curators and artists,” says Lesley. Spin: Edinburgh now has an established relationship with venues, artists, curators and critics, which gives the group access to some of the most engaging art available in the city. On top of that, participants get a fascinating insight into the broader context of art production, including commissioning, curating and collecting.

Spin: Glasgow was first launched at Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art in 2006 and has come to reflect the distinct scene in the city that includes a plethora of artist run spaces. “Quite often, all the founding members of the smaller artist led groups in Glasgow – The Duchy, David Dale and The Mutual for example – will present to the Spin group, offering their perspectives and expertise,” explains Lesley.

As well as giving an insight into the artworks available to see in galleries, Spin organises studio visits, allowing members a glimpse into how artists produce their work. Sometimes, a studio visit can be an artwork in itself: “We had an interesting visit to an artist’s studio in Trongate 103. Due to a diary clash the artist was in Sweden when the Spin talk was scheduled to take place, so the artist created an interactive talk via a tape recording where Spin participants had to explore his studio for objects that would perform as a catalyst for the different stages of his talk.”

Spin attracts a broad range of people from all walks of life. The majority of members don’t have a background in visual art but possess a healthy curiosity in contemporary art practices, making it the ideal platform for those looking to learn more about the area. “It’s a total bonus having such a great blend of individuals, of all ages and backgrounds, as their personal experience informs their interpretation of the artworks, which they share together in discussions.”

Spin: Edinburgh members meet at 6pm on the last Thursday of every month in galleries, and sometimes more unusual exhibiting spaces, across the city and enjoy wine and informal discussions with art professionals, including artists, critics, curators and collectors. Spin: Glasgow members meet on the third Wednesday of the month to enable Spin: Edinburgh members to take part and vice versa. This year, Spin will again be working with Glasgow International to produce a series of ‘Spin off’ tours (20 April-7 May). These tours will be open to the wider public, as well as Spin members, and will be available via the Glasgow International website from March. Membership costs £45 (£35 concessions) per year or £75 (£55 concessions) for two adults at one address.