Beatroute Arts is an award-winning community-led charity located in Balornock, in the North East of Glasgow. The organisation aims to provide free, high-quality creative and holistic activities for young people and community groups. This includes older people and adults with complex support needs. By carefully developing programmes of activity, Beatroute aims to improve the quality of life and provide free learning opportunities in an area that is considered one of the 10% most impoverished regions in Scotland.
Originally started as a music project in 1990 by Glasgow City Council, Beatroute has since grown into an established and flourishing community-led charity. The activities offered by Beatroute range from weekly drop-in workshops specialising in various creative areas such as music tuition, songwriting, film-making, sound production, art, fashion design, gardening, woodwork, drama, science, and yoga. Additionally, structured learning opportunities are also available, such as the “Take A Bow” programme, where young people can learn to play stringed instruments like the violin, viola, and cello.
Beatroute works closely in partnership with local organisations and schools to offer community-led activities that directly respond to identified needs within the community. The organisation aims to alleviate the lack of free learning provision, as well as address issues related to mental and physical ill-health caused by poor living standards and social isolation. Furthermore, Beatroute collaborates with national organisations like Drake Music Scotland and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to establish concrete links with organisations across Scotland, consequently increasing opportunities for its members.
As a community-led charity, Beatroute Arts strives to create a vibrant and inclusive space where people from all backgrounds can come together, access creative activities, and learn new skills. Through its diverse range of programmes, Beatroute aims to empower individuals, build strong community connexions, and inspire positive change in the lives of those it serves.