Mary Mary was set up in March 2004 by Sara Barker, Hannah Robinson and Harriet Tritton.

Originally based at 246 Bath Street in the City Centre of Glasgow, the gallery relocated to Alexandra Park Street, Dennistoun in 2005. Both venues are rooms in tenement flats, emptied and converted into white gallery spaces.

With the intention of providing a platform for young artists at an early stage in their career, the main focus is on artists that have, as yet, not had a major show in an established gallery setting. Mary Mary aims to provide a professional context at a grassroots level, offering both the freedom to experiment and support for the artist’s needs.

A relationship is formed that goes beyond the show, building profile and offering opportunity. Through the process of research and understanding of practice, Mary Mary strives to engage in a critical dialogue, encompassing the work and all aspects of the artists’ processes.

An emphasis is placed on artists working in Scotland as well as incorporating an international element. This is demonstrated through the inclusion of young international artists into the programme, and with the aim to show locally based artists outside of Scotland.

In essence, Mary Mary sees itself as holding a vital role in enhancing and challenging an existing structure. By focusing on new debates, concerns and approaches to working, Mary Mary allows for a new language of experience and exchange.