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About
Kelvingroove the Concept
The central concept behind Kelvingroove is the delivery of positive
health, lifestyle & citizenship messages in a non-traditional
setting. Utilising the growing popularity of music festival culture
to cut across cultural and attitudinal barriers, in order to
communicate with a cross section of the community which often eschew
traditional approaches to health promotion & positive citizenship
messages e.g. the healthy eating day or the ‘community safety’
event.
Kelvingroove also recognises the underlying common goals of a broad
cross section of statutory agencies, voluntary sector and community
groups and packages these common goals in a coherent contextual
setting.
For example Kelvingroove is alcohol free. One negative aspect of
music festival culture can be seen as the prevalence of excess
alcohol consumption and in certain circumstances the prevalence of
drug taking. In the UK & certain areas of Scotland in particular a
binge drinking culture is widespread; alcohol related violence and
the negative health impacts of regular excessive consumption of
alcohol is a growing concern. In much the same way as environmental
activists are seen as harbingers of some far off cataclysm that may
never manifest itself, those advocating responsible drinking and
health warning on booze are seen to be ‘health Nazi’s’
manifestations of the ‘nanny’ state, ghosts at the feast of consumer
driven lifestyles.
The media play a significant role in the perpetuation of these
attitudes, as does the advertising industry, in it ceaseless
glamorisation of alcohol and ever more effective approaches to
ensuring that as many people as possible identify life quality as
equalling – income, possessions & being ‘superior’ to another
individual or group.
The Kelvingroove philosophy challenges the puritanical Calvinist
concept that denial of the self and pleasure is the only way to
spiritual enlightenment. Kelvingroove is the proof that pleasure;
happiness and joy are not delivered by the latest model of mobile
phone, the newest shiniest trainers or sleekest car. Happiness is
found in amongst other settings, sharing music, conversation,
laughter and affection with our fellow human beings, free from the
threat of violence and discrimination. Health & well being are
rooted in giving and receiving love, in being part of something
larger than oneself, part of the solution not the problem, part of a
future that holds hope and justice for all not simply for the chosen
or fortunate few.
Kelvingroove the background
The idea for Kelvingroove arose from a development session linked to
the Glasgow City Council, Holiday Programme. A gap was identified in
the summer programme for an event celebrating the skills and
interests of young people and families from across the North West
and West of Glasgow.
The initial idea then grew to become a family fun festival, which
would include Strathclyde Police’s – Choices for Life initiative,
Streets Ahead physical activity initiative from Sport & recreation
at Culture & Leisure Services and live music from a range of
unsigned local bands.
Unpicking the strands . . .
Choices for Life – A very successful initiative driven
by Strathclyde Police it has an annual flagship event in Glasgow at
the SECC which uses popular bands to assist in bringing home the
positive lifestyle message to P7’s and S1 kids from across the city.
Each division also organises a local Choice for Life event –
Divisions A&C combined to link their local events with Kelvingroove
’06. Achieving excellent outcomes.
Streets Ahead – This is a physical activity initiative
run by the Sport & Recreation Section of Culture & Sport Glasgow it
gives young people the opportunity to experience less main stream
physical activities such as rock climbing, skateboarding, mountain
biking and three on three street basketball.
Creative skills showcase – The Creative Media
Department of Stow College became a key partner in the delivery of
this section of the project the purpose of involving a live music
showcase was two fold.
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To use the ever growing popularity of the music festival format e.g.
T in the Park, Glastonbury etc, etc. to attract a wide range of
participants to the day, across age groups , culture & ethnic
groupings
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To support and encourage young people into careers in the creative
industries
Kelvingroove the Future
Possible routes forward include
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Establishing a Kelvingroove Trust
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Aye write at the Groove
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Extending the to a two day event
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August is Celebrating culture month – a month long festival
activities concentrating on urban culture – this concept looks at
the potential of working alongside
The Spirit of Kelvingroove -
Think / Listen / Act
Think:
The Scottish Enlightenment gave the world a spectrum of
philosophers, scientists, engineers and social reformers. The psyche
of the nation would still be identified by many as one which
champions social justice, celebrates diversity & tolerance and looks
beyond barriers and borders to the commonality of the human
experience. Kelvingroove aims to inspire those who are Scotland’s
future to think and be proud of our heritage, ‘Scots Wa Hae’
The knowledge economy is not just about the ability of the labour
market to adapt to changing market pressures – future economic
drivers must be sustainable industries and lifestyles Scotland’s
knowledge driven economy can look to lead the world in approaches to
social care & justice issues. Bringing the Determined to Succeed
curriculum out of the class room and into the hearts and minds of
the nation.
Listen:
One of the key characteristics of life in the 21st Century is often
referred to as the sound bite culture where tabloid newspapers set
national policy agendas and the speed of life is so fast that we
have less and less time to spend with our families or to contribute
to the common good. Volunteering levels are falling, membership of
political parties, unions and community groups reduces year on year.
Falling turnouts in local and national elections represent a threat
to the democratic process. As Scotland enters a new era of political
discourse will division and fragmentation result or consensus &
unity develop?
When was the last time you really listened? To your family,
teachers, friends, news, current affairs, politics, favourite song
or even yourself? We hear a lot in one day but how much of that is
active listening? At Kelvingroove we aim to re-inspire Scots to
really listen to what’s going on around them and how can YOU make a
difference!
Act:
Will you stand by and watch or will the real heart of Scotland
please stand up? Scotland counts, You count, Stand up and be
counted. Act for your Scotland, whatever your passion is, have
commitment to it and your goals can be achieved. This is the Spirit
of Kelvingroove
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Kelvingroove is alcohol free
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Kelvingroove is
violence free
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Kelvingroove is free
for all
Kelvingroove 07 "Feel the Love"
It’s all around you, be part of a better future, let that future
begin now.
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