New podcast tells the stories of Govanhill – Scotland’s most multicultural neighbourhood – through its objects

FONDS, a brand new podcast launching on 3rd February invites listeners to embark on a captivating journey through the lives of the residents of Govanhill, Glasgow.

The neighbourhood in the Southside of Glasgow, has a long history of migration into the area – making it into Scotland’s most multicultural neighbourhood with 88 languages spoken by its residents.

Through the lens of cherished objects, FONDS unravels the untold stories, passions, and memories that breathe life into this vibrant community.

Told through photography and in the participants’ own words, FONDS is a project about how the evocative objects we keep connect us to the people and places we love.

Some of the objects included in the collection include a glass fish, a box of spells, a wooden boat, a sticking plaster, and a teddy bear. From Pakistan to Syria, Turkey to Hong Kong the objects featured represent stories of migration, transformation, love, and resilience.

FONDS was created in 2022 by Morwenna Kearsley, who worked on this project during a two year community based residency with Street Level Photoworks as part of their Culture Collective programme. It was developed in partnership with Greater Govanhill community magazine and Thriving Govanhill.

In 2023, in addition to a new series of photographs, we introduce the FONDS podcast series, produced by Flora Zajicek. Each episode unfolds over eight minutes, the time it takes for Morwenna to photograph the object in complete darkness with an innovative technique using a long exposure and moving torchlight.

Weaving together the threads of personal history, cultural heritage, and community spirit, this 10 part series will bring you into the studio to sit and listen to the story of each object as told by its keeper.

An exhibition of FONDS photographs and accompanying film will be held in the new community space of Tramway, Glasgow from 3 February to 31 March – promising a celebration of the diverse stories that make Govanhill a unique and thriving community.

Speaking about the project, photographer Morwenna Kearsely said:

“Making the images for FONDS has been a labour of love. It’s been such an honour and a privilege to photograph such cherished possessions, and to think about, through objects, the collective feelings and emotions that bind us together as humans.”

Podcast producer Flora Zajicek said:

“It has been an honour to be entrusted with peoples’ stories for FONDS. These are the stories that don’t always get listened to, they are the stories of your neighbour, or that person you pass in the street everyday, but given a spotlight and the platform they deserve. Interviewing people in the dark creates a really special atmosphere which translates to intimacy of what you hear in the podcast. It’s been an absolute privilege to work with all the participants and get to bring the sound worlds of these stories to life.”

Founder and editor of Greater Govanhill community magazine, Rhiannon J Davies, said:

“There’s nowhere quite like Govanhill. We launched the magazine to provide a platform for voices you don’t typically hear in the media. And this project embodies that completely. It’s the stories that you’ll never hear elsewhere.

“The act of interviewing someone in the dark, with torchlight dancing over their treasured possession, creates a truly unique interview. The podcast takes the listener right into that space. It’s been a privilege to hear and share these stories.”

The podcast aims to not only showcase the uniqueness of this community but also to foster a sense of connection and understanding among its residents and beyond. Subscribe now by searching for FONDS wherever you get your podcast.

A launch event will be held in the new community space of Tramway on the afternoon of Saturday 3 January.