COP26 Fringe events taking place in Glasgow

There is a lot happening in Glasgow around the COP26 United Nations Climate Conference. We take a look at some of the fringe events worth attending

Article by Rosamund West | 22 Oct 2021
  • Fungal Datascapes: A Sporous Commons of Mushrooms and Climate

While the world leaders meet in the SEC, Glasgow will no doubt live up to its reputation as a proving ground of social activism, as organisers from around the globe converge in the surrounding city to stage a diverse programme of events and workshops. We’ve pulled together a few highlights from the many, many events happening – for a full run down head to the websites listed below, and keep an eye on our socials.  

People’s Summit for Climate Justice, various venues, 7-10 Nov
While world leaders meet to discuss our future at COP26, the COP26 Coalition will be building power for system change. Bringing together the climate justice movement to discuss, learn and strategise for system change, their programme includes 180+ events which can be joined online from anywhere in the world, or in-person in Glasgow. The list is astonishingly wide-ranging, including expert panels on holding government to account for climate change, discussions on the ecological impact of deep sea mining, artist workshops on subvertising campaign strategies and climbing lessons to facilitate direct protest. Find the full list on their site: cop26coalition.org/peoples-summit

Common Ground Fest, QMU, Sat 6 Nov, 4-10pm, free
Rockstars, politicians, campaigners, activists and change-makers will join forces on Saturday 6 November for Common Ground Fest featuring keynote speakers, live music, panels, installations, stalls and more. Acts announced so far include Rou Reynolds (Enter Shikari), Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5, Caroline Lucas MP, Pat Kane (Hue and Cry), Dr Katherine Trebeck, The Dalmar Chorus (Kapil Seshasayee, Willie Campbell) and even The Fratellis. commongroundfest.org

Circular Arts Net Mini Depot, BoxHub, 50 Washington St, until 24 Nov
Throughout COP26, Circular Arts Net (CAN) will be teaming up with BoxHub to create a mini depot. Located in the City Centre, the creative hub will offer storage and a space for resources to be shared. Gather or donate materials for reuse within art projects, exhibitions or events for FREE. The space will be open Wednesdays and Fridays 1-2pm, and accessible with an access code (which you can get from info@canarts.org.uk) at other times. canarts.org.uk

Sustainable Glasgow Landing, 220 Broomielaw, 29 Oct-14 Nov
The Sustainable Glasgow Landing has transformed a vacant riverside site for the duration of COP26 into a vibrant space where climate and social justice movements meet the arts. There is a packed events programme, and visitors are invited to explore a range of exhibitions, ranging from Passivhaus technologies and sustainable power generation through to active travel solutions and collaborative art pieces. Find out more about the exhibitors and the full programme of events here: thesustainableglasgowlanding.com

Fungal Datascapes, Goethe-Institut Glasgow, 5-30 Nov, free
Subtitled A Sporous Commons of Mushrooms and Climate, this immersive art installation and 360 degree video experience has been created and realised by artists Rut Karin Zettergren (Sweden), Finn Arschavir (Scotland) and Jens Evaldsson (Sweden). The piece is part of the Goethe Institute’s project Weather Glass or Crystal Ball? Mapping the Weather in Arts and Science. A preview event on 4 November (6-9pm) will feature sound improvisation by artist and musician Danny Pagarani. lablab.se/weatherglassorcrystalball

Climate Fringe
More of a resource than an event per se, the Climate Fringe site provides a platform for all of civil society, from activists to NGOs to trade unions to share events and connect around climate change and COP26. It has been built by Stop Climate Chaos Scotland to join together all the activities that are happening in the run-up to, and during COP. climatefringe.org

New York Times Climate Hub, SWG3, 3-11 Nov, day tickets £24.99
A programme of events and workshops striving to answer the question: how do we adapt and thrive on a changing planet? The NYT/SWG3 ticketed series is a more expensive option than the People's Summit grassroots activism, but with speakers including Malala Yousafzai, David Lammy and, for some reason, Matt Damon, it looks set to be a fascinating journey. swg3.tv/the-new-york-times-climate-hub

COP26, A Special Culture and Climate Event, St Luke’s, Sat 6 Nov, 9.30-3am, prices vary
This all-dayer in the East End begins with a free to attend conference (9.30am-2.15pm) followed by live music (7-11pm, £5-35) then an after party (11pm-3am, £10). Artists include BEMZ, Sarra Wild and Groove Armada's Andy Cato, with talks focusing on the intersection of culture and climate, exploring how music and entertainment can play a role in the fight against climate change. umaentertainment.com/events/cop26-special-event


The COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference takes place in Glasgow, 31 Oct-12 Nov