Film extract from The Empire Cafe, 2014, courtesy of McCune Smith
The Empire Cafe is a creative platform encouraging conversations about history, land ownership and the ongoing effects of Empire through cross-cultural events, writing, visual arts, public discussions, sound-based works and more.
The Empire Cafe is a creative platform run by architect Jude Barber and writer Louise Welsh. Jude and Louise have worked together since 2012 to co-conceive and deliver a range of projects using creative methods to raise questions, spark interest and foster civic engagement around cities and their past, present and future.
Their projects include the Merchant City Voices soundscape, The Empire Café cultural event, Who Owns the Clyde? podcast in association with Halina Rifai, and Clyde Reflections with photographer Chris Leslie.
Jude Barber and Louise Welsh. Photo: credit Chris Leslie
Image from ‘Who Owns the Clyde?’ Photo: credit Daniele Sambo
Featured Projects
Who owns the Clyde?
Podcast and citizen investigation into the complexities around ownership of the River Clyde and its impact on Glasgow’s historic waterfront.
Clyde Reflections with Chris Leslie
Visual arts project by Chris Leslie with associated Who owns the Clyde? podcast documenting individuals and community groups connected to the River Clyde, Glasgow
The Empire Café, A welcome discussion
Week-long cultural event, working café, food programme, anthology and public programme during the 2014 Commonwealth Games to explore Scotland’s relationship in the north Atlantic slave trade.
Press & News
Writing & Features
