Local entrepreneur Darren Kavanagh aims to breathe new life into Glasgow’s struggling shopping district with the launch of DNA, a popup shop and arts venue beside George Square. DNA will offer affordable space for creative startup companies to sell their products, exhibit their artwork, and run events and performances. They also plan to open an artisan cafe, and hope the city centre space will become a welcoming hub for the local community.
Until this summer, the retail unit at South Frederick Street had been sitting empty for 15 years. Kavanagh, along with a team of artists and supporters, has worked to transform the empty, derelict shell into a blank canvas for artists and community groups. Over the last few months DNA has hosted everything from art exhibitions to national charity projects, fashion shows and even a pop up insect restaurant. But with the space still not completely renovated, and with the phone ringing off the hook with local creatives desperate for space, Kavanagh is now desperate to make improvements.
Kavanagh said: “Since I launched DNA the response from Glasgow’s community has been awesome. With over 9,000 people through the building with over 200 projects It has been amazing to see such a diverse range of events, exhibitions and shows in our building.
“We have a massive vision at DNA, we want to totally transform our hub so we can include a restaurant and a photography studio and hot desking hub as part of what we do. Our passion comes from allowing Glasgow’s people to use our spaces in projects that matter to them.”
With big plans on the horizon, DNA are today launching a crowdfunding campaign. They’re asking local Glaswegians to club together to help make this community space a permanent fixture in the city centre.
DNA has just 42 days to reach its target of £10,000. All contributions are welcome, and there are some very attractive perks on offer to anyone willing to pitch in. Contributors will certainly get a piece of the action in return for their generosity - perks include free shop space, discount cards, artists’ exhibition space and promotional package, and even the chance to have Kavanagh himself consult with new businesses or speak to student groups. Plus, anyone who contributes will be invited to an exclusive party in DNA on 30th November, with drinks, nibbles, and live arts performances.
Kavanagh said “Contributing to this campaign will mean the world to not just us at DNA but the many people who use our spaces on a daily basis. Our ethos here at DNA has always been that it is owned by the people that use it and this campaign will strengthen that further. We need your support more than ever. Every week we are getting hundreds of enquiries from people needing the space and until we get further work done on the building we cannot facilitate these requests. DNA is for the people of Glasgow and we really hope you fully get behind this campaign.”
To find out more and get involved head over to their Indiegogo Page.
