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Episode Overview
In this episode of The Creative Resistance Podcast, host Scott Cassidy sits down with award-winning Glasgow poet, performer, and playwright Kevin P. Gilday. Kevin is a National Theatre of Scotland Associate Artist, a BBC Writersroom Scottish Voice, a UNESCO City of Literature Writer in Residence, and the current Stirling Makar.
The conversation comes full circle as Scott reveals how Kevin is directly to blame for the existence of this very podcast. They dive deep into the gatekeeping of working-class stories, the vital role of art as a tool for survival rather than a luxury, and Kevin’s groundbreaking community projects like The Bank of Springburn and the Care in Scotland installation.
Key Discussion Points
* The Accidental Origin of the Podcast: Scott shares how joining Kevin’s pandemic-era online collective, The Scribbler’s Union, transformed his creative confidence and directly sparked his journey into podcasting.
* Demystifying Poetry: Kevin challenges the narrow, academic gatekeeping of poetry, arguing that success isn’t about exclusive literary journal validation—it’s about raw, immediate human connection.
* Reclaiming Working-Class Stories: A deep dive into how working-class narratives are often flattened or mediated by middle-class gatekeepers. Kevin talks about shifting away from stories of peril toward restoring genuine working-class pride, dignity, and solidarity.
* Art as a Tool for Survival: Discussing why creative arts are frequently the first to face budget cuts during economic crises, despite being a life-saving, cost-effective framework for combating social isolation and fostering peer support.
* The Power of Listening (The Care in Scotland Project): Kevin details his profound experience traveling the country to record the lived experiences of care-experienced people. These raw testimonies are now permanently preserved in the National Library of Scotland archive.
Featured Projects & Collaborations
* The Bank of Springburn: A unique National Theatre of Scotland residency where Kevin took art directly to the community by converting an empty shopping center bank unit into a hub for sharing local memories, tea, and spontaneous poetry.
* Care in Scotland (Interactive Installation): An upcoming immersive Fringe experience written by top-tier playwright Nicola McCartney and featuring poetic elements from Kevin. It will take place in the lobby of the Scottish Parliament, aiming to directly confront decision-makers with the realities of the care system.
* Community Groups: Kevin reflects on his ongoing workshop practice with creative recovery groups in Inverclyde, with individuals navigating the criminal justice system, and local carers’ centers.
* A Giant on the Bridge: Highlighting the “gold standard” community-derived theater piece examining the justice system, featuring musician and collaborator Jo Mango.
What’s Next for Kevin P. Gilday
* August 6th: Work-in-progress solo performance sharing at The Glad Cafe, showcasing brand-new work—including a distinct series of poems translating brutalist architecture.
* The Fringe & Beyond: The Care in Scotland interactive installation at the Scottish Parliament lobby.
* New Music: A brand-new album alongside his musical project, Kevin P. Gilday & The Glasgow Cross, set to drop later this year.
Connect with the Guest
* Website: kevinpgilday.com
* Instagram: @kevinpgilday
* Latest Book: Anxiety Music (Verve Poetry Press)
Connect with the Podcast
* Substack.com/@thecreativeresistancepodcast
* Instagram: @thecreativeresistancepodcast and @scottcassidywrites
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecreativeresistancepodcast.substack.com
