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About Glasgow Life
Our mission
Our mission is to inspire every citizen and visitor to become engaged and active in a city globally renowned for culture and sport. As a charity, we find innovative ways to make this happen across Glasgow’s diverse communities.
Our cultural and sporting programmes, experiences and events promote inclusion,
happiness and health while also supporting the city’s visitor economy. They enhance the city’s mental, physical and economic wellbeing.
Our values
Inclusive
When individuals and communities feel empowered, better outcomes are achieved. We are dedicated to ensuring that our diverse communities are engaged in the design and delivery of our work.
Committed
We know that outcomes are not equal for everyone in the city. We are committed to helping everyone in Glasgow experience the positive benefits of participating in culture, sport and learning.
Ambitious
A vibrant city supports the health and wellbeing of its people. We find innovative ways to deliver the best possible outcomes, fostering the long-term, sustainable economic development of Glasgow for the benefit of all.
Our contribution
In the 19 years since Glasgow Life was created, our charitable activity has contributed to an increase in cultural participation, physical activity and tourism in Glasgow.Supporting communities
Culture and sport are part of the fabric of Glasgow and Glasgow Life recognises the importance of investing in services, programmes and facilities that enhance the health and wellbeing of our citizens. Against a backdrop of significant financial challenge in the public sector, Glasgow Life is exploring innovative ways of harnessing the power of culture and sport to transform people’s lives for the better in Glasgow.
Supporting the economy
From the opening of the Riverside Museum and the Glasgow International Arena (previously the Emirates Arena), to the transformation of the Kelvin Hall and the refurbishment of the Burrell Collection, Glasgow Life has been for many years, and continues to be, at the heart of Glasgow’s cultural and sporting infrastructure development.
Events
Our world-class events boost Glasgow’s global profile, delivering memorable moments for our communities and visitors while showcasing the very best of the city. Glasgow Life delivered a year of significant firsts throughout 2025-26, alongside an established programme of outstanding cultural and sporting events that continue to define the city’s global reputation.
From securing major new events to hosting landmark moments for Glasgow’s communities, the programme reflected ambition and impact, reinforcing the city’s profile as a trusted, world-class events destination.
Across the year, nearly 340,000 attendances were recorded at events delivered or supported by Glasgow Life, generating more than £16 million in GVA for the city’s economy.
Museums
Our museums and collections inspire, engage and educate, bringing Glasgow’s rich heritage, diverse stories and world-class collections to life. Glasgow Life cares for one of Europe’s leading civic collections, encompassing more than five million museum objects, archive records and library special collections. In 2025-26, our museums welcomed 3.9 million visitors.
Nationally and internationally significant, our museums play a vital role in Scotland’s cultural life and visitor economy. They also provide free, trusted public spaces that support learning, wellbeing and inclusion for people of all ages.
A major project in 2025-26 was the redisplay of the Glassford Portrait at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This marked a significant shift in interpreting Glasgow’s history, refocussing attention on a young Black child enslaved by tobacco merchant John Glassford and using digital interpretation in 11 languages to deepen our understanding of the city’s slavery links.
Arts and Music
Our arts and music activity strengths Glasgow’s cultural life, supporting artists, audiences and communities to create and enjoy exceptional experiences across the city. From major international events and live performances to grassroots creative activity in local communities, Glasgow Life ensures culture remains accessible across the city.
More than 550,000 visits to our cultural venues in 2025-26 highlighted the continuing importance of arts and music in shaping Glasgow’s reputation as a dynamic, welcoming and creative city – supporting wellbeing, inspiring participation and creating memorable shared experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Libraries
Our libraries and community facilities are a cornerstone of daily life, connecting people with opportunities to learn, create, participate, and thrive. From trusted local libraries to welcoming community spaces, Glasgow Life plays a vital role in everyday life across the city.
Connecting residents and visitors with culture, creativity, digital access, learning opportunities, and financial and wellbeing support, our services respond to the needs of our diverse communities while advancing the strategic priorities of our five-year Vision for Glasgow Libraries.
More than four million attendances were recorded across our libraries in 2025-26, while our community centres welcomed nearly one million visits. Over two million books were issued during the year, and growing demand for our enhanced digital reading offer saw almost 900,000 online materials accessed.
Sport
We continue to invest in sport and physical activity across Glasgow, expanding participation, improving our leisure facilities, and delivering inclusive community programmes. Glasgow Life continues to help people across the city live healthier, more active lives.
With over five million visits to our leisure facilities, our focus remained on providing inclusive and accessible opportunities shaped by local needs and strong partnerships.
A significant development was the launch of Active Glasgow, the city’s new Physical Activity and Sport Strategy to 2035. Co-created with local and national partners, it sets a clear direction for tackling health inequalities and increasing participation over the next decade.