Suite 16 is a film made with residents of the retirement block of Broomhill Court, in Greenock, as Artist in Residence for RIG Arts Galoshans Residency.

I started this project because I was interested in the housing regeneration and history of tower blocks in Greenock. In the 60s, post war, 32 tower blocks were erected in Inverclyde, in turn it gained the nickname, ‘Hong Kong of the Clyde Coast’. Many fell into disrepair and unsafe living conditions and were demolished, but a few remain, including Broomhill Court.

I was keen to look at how such architecture often feels designed at odds to community, particularly for older people. However, through my research I ended up tapping into a very special place, Suite 16, a community flat run by the caretaker Michelle. The film looks at the determination and deep care that keeps these systems of inter-dependency alive.

Film available for screening (17:31 minutes)

Team

Lead Artist: Sally Charlton

Videographer: Tao-Anas Letham

Participants: Janet, Liz, Marilyn, Donald, Ruby, Jack, Rita, Gwen, Robert