Arcadia Scotland

Art and Culture

Douglas Gordon: Pretty Much Every Film and Video Work From About 1992 Until Now: Throughout the End of July, Gallery of Modern Art

An encyclopaedic retrospective of one of Scotland's most celebrated contemporary video artists, including the eponymous installation.

Nathan Coley: Lamp of Sacrifice: Throughout the End of July, Gallery of Modern Art

Never before seen in Glasgow, Nathan Coley's 2005 The Lamp of Sacrifice – 286 Places of Worship is a series of scale models in cardboard of every place of worship listed in the 2004 Edinburgh telephone directory, made by the artist himself and his assistant Tony Nolan over the course of three months.

An Artist at Arta: A Scottish Perspective: Beginning 23 July, Arta

Fun, Scottish-themed paintings from J M Fulton.

Beagles and Ramsay: Ventriloquist Dummies Double Self-Portrait

Installation involving ventriloquist dummies, returning after their initial appearance in Beagles and Ramsay's hilarious and unsettling video New Meat at GoMA's Hertie Querty group show in 2011.

Building a Legacy: The Athlete's Village: Throughout the End of July, The Lighthouse

A showcase for one of the most lasting legacies of the 2014 Commonwealth Games: the Athletes' Village, built in the East End of the city and featuring 700 sustainable Eco-homes and a 120-bed care home.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh: Begonias: Beginning 18 July, Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery

View one of Mackintosh's London still lifes, which draws on his lifelong botanical studies.

Faces of Scotland: Throughout the End of July, scotlandart.com

The 15th Annual Summer Exhibition of scotlandart.com celebrates the Commonwealth Games, with work from Lesley Anne Derks, Karen Cairns, Peter Nardini, Cate Inglis, Ian Elliot, Tommy Fitchet and many more.

Music, Comedy and Dance

BBC at the Quay: Throughout the End of July, Glasgow Science Centre

Live music, food and drink and a big screen show all of your favorite BBC shows for free. The high-punching programme includes sets from Texas, Simple Minds, Paloma Faith and Amy Macdonald, plus loads of BBC-centric activities for the whole family. Access is free, but some events are ticketed.

East End Social: Throughout the End of July, Various Venues and Times

Organized by Glasgow indie label Chemikal Underground the East End Social is part music showcase, part community-engagement project and an official Culture 2014 event. The project aims to bring a diverse range of music to a Glasgow's East End venues with performances from The Nectarine No 9, King Ayisoba and RM Hubbert already confirmed. There are also tea dances, a gala day and music workshops to name a few.

Scottish Opera: Madama Butterfly: 29 and 31 July, Theatre Royal, 7.15pm

Puccini's famous tale of Cio-Cio San and her abandonment by her dashing American husband, in a revival by Elaine Kidd of the highly successful 2000 production originally directed by David McVicar.

Darren Brown: 16-19 July, King's Theatre, 7.30pm

The master of mentalism takes his newest show on the road, melding mind games, illusion, showmanship and masses of charm.

Classics Marathon Day: 26 July, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Various Times

Glasgow UNESCO City of Music organizes a day of wall-to-wall music in Glasgow's city centre, from Red Note's Reels to Ragas at lunchtime to the Scottish Ensemble with Nicola Benedetti playing Vivaldi and Piazzolla in the evening. Rock up to the Royal Concert Hall with a packed lunch and let it all roll over you.

Aye Right? How No'? Comedy Countdown to the Referendum: 21 July, The Stand, 8.30pm

Vladimir McTavish and Keir McAllister take on the independence debate in a show that blends stand-up, poetry, spoken word and politics. Special guests include Gary Little, Susan Morrison and Alan Bissett.

Conor Oberst: 21 July, O2 ABC, 7pm

The American singer-songwriter, lead singer of Bright Eyes and member of Monsters of Folk turned solo artist brings his unique blend of angst-folk to the UK.

The Dunedin Consort: 26 July, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2pm

Acclaimed ensemble of singers and players specializing in baroque music under the musical direction of John Butt.

Hebrides Ensemble: 26 July, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 5.15pm

Founded in 1991, the Hebrides Ensemble is one of Scotland's most dynamic chamber groups, with a team of world-class players and a strong commitment to new music.

Lectures, Sports and Local Festivals

Festival 2014: Beginning 19 July, Various Venues and Times

Transforming the city during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Festival 2014 sees Glasgow burst into life with an invigorating mix of entertainment, culture and enjoyment.

Culture 2014: Throughout the End of July, Various Venues and Times

A national celebration counting down to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Culture 2014 will showcase dance, theater, music, visual arts, comedy and so much more in the run up to the Games. Everyone’s invited!

Merchant City Festival: Beginning 24 July, Various Venues and Times

Glasgow's swanky part of town continues to round together culture in its diverse festival. Previous years have seen comedy, theater and art events cramming themselves into the area's fashionable buildings, while street performers add to the festival atmosphere.