Creativity, Community and Class with Kevin P. Gilday

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