The Hot 100 2014: 70-61
Counterflows, Glasgay and Daniel Sloss among Scotland's hottest cultural contributors in 2014
70 Mr McFall’s Chamber
The chamber orchestra that likes rock clubs made new and fascinating connections, bringing Polish tango to Shetland, celebrating Bermudan composer Gabriel Jackson and collaborating with artist and producer Amble Skuse on Remembered / Imagined, a fusion of traditional music, poetry and electronics. Mr McFall's Chamber continues to innovate. (Alex Johnston)
69 Simon Hart
Manipulate Festival encourages the growth of visual theatre, through workshops and the week-long curation of international work. More than ‘puppetry for adults’, artistic director Simon Hart shows that the visual is where theatre evolves towards beauty. (Gareth K Vile)
68 Pamela Carter
Not content with writing and dramaturgy duties on Vanishing Point’s elegaic Tomorrow, Pamela Carter did the same jobs for another of 2014’s critical hits, Slope, merely a month later. Her writing is a powerful alternative to the blunt worthiness of much modern theatre. (Gareth K Vile)
67 Glasgow International
In its sixth biennial edition and first under new director Sarah McCrory, Glasgow International continued to offer a first-rate international contemporary art programme, this year welcoming visiting and homegrown artists including Bedwyr Williams, Sue Tompkins and Aleksandra Domanovic. (David Pollock)
66 Counterflows
Glasgow’s party of experimental music was better than ever in 2014, with the inspired choice of Miami-born free-jazzer Joe McPhee as featured artist, cosmic busker The Space Lady, electro’s Heatsick and more. Counterflows goes from strength to strength. (Alex Johnston)
65 Daniel Sloss
With a second appearance on Conan O’Brien’s talk show under his belt, the annual sold-out Fringe extravaganza at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre and subsequent tour of Really … ?!, it’s been a busy old year for the ‘half-man, half Xbox’, Daniel Sloss. Oh, and he’s creating a new, apparently very rude, internet sitcom with Tom Stade called M.U.F.F. (Brian Donaldson)
64 The Gannet
The recent Bib Gourmand from the mighty Michelin has cemented the reputation of chefs Peter McKenna and Ivan Stein as top talents with integrity and flair. Not only are far-flung critics and cheffy celebs visiting, but they’ve helped Finnieston become Glasgow’s hippest dining destination. (Jay Thundercliffe)
63 Black Hearted Press
In addition to their continued publication of new work, BHP hosted the biggest Glasgow Comic Con yet, packing out three venues with a fantastic programme of guest artists, and launched both Stirling Comics Festival and Aye Draw, a touring comic book art exhibition. (Rowena McIntosh)
62 Kelvingrove Bandstand
Previously a graffiti-covered ruin, the Kelvingrove Bandstand emerged from a long-campaigned refurbishment as a fully equipped 2300-capacity outdoor amphitheatre. Big names that graced the stage on balmy evenings this summer included Steve Earle, Teenage Fanclub and Belle & Sebastian. (Rowena McIntosh)
61 Glasgay!
With this year’s programme including live art hero Ron Athey and an evening with kitsch cinema icon John Waters, Glasgay! 2014 was a strong reminder of the festival’s diversity and imaginative curation, supporting local artists and bringing in the best from around the world. (Gareth K Vile)