amynicole – Creative studio Pim-Pam is bringing new energy to the art and sport worlds with the return of its popular exhibition series, TOPSP!N. Opening this April at Wasps Studios’ South Block in Glasgow, the event highlights the cultural and social legacy of table tennis while supporting grassroots community programs. This marks the third edition of the project, following successful showings of SP!N in 2019 and BACKSP!N in 2022.
Instead of traditional canvases, artists from across disciplines have transformed ping-pong paddles into vibrant works of art. Each piece reflects the artist’s personal take on the intersection of design, sport, and community. Visitors will be able to view and purchase the paddles, with proceeds going to support local initiatives that promote access to recreational sport.
With table tennis often overshadowed by the trendy rise of pickleball, Pim-Pam’s TOPSP!N reasserts the enduring appeal of ping-pong. The show invites visitors to reflect on how simple games can unite people across generations and backgrounds through shared play.
Artists Bring Creative Energy to Glasgow’s Table Tennis Revival
The TOPSP!N exhibition features a diverse and dynamic lineup of artists, each contributing a uniquely designed ping-pong paddle. This year’s contributors include acclaimed comic book artist Frank Quitely, celebrated Scottish landscape painter Robert Kelsey, hip-hop artist Bemz, and Bungo Sign Co., known for their traditional signwriting work. Joining them are illustrator Agata Pietrusz, visual artist Craig Black, West African creatives Osa Seven and Adaora Lumina, and Glasgow-based art duo Conzo:Globel.
The variety of styles and cultural backgrounds highlights table tennis’s universal reach. Much like art, the sport cuts across age, nationality, and language, creating a shared space for creativity and community. Each paddle becomes a statement, blending personal expression with a collective purpose. Visitors not only witness visual storytelling but also support a broader social cause.
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Supporting a Legacy of Inclusion at Drumchapel Table Tennis Club
Proceeds from TOPSP!N will benefit Drumchapel Table Tennis Club (DTTC), a pillar of the local community for over 30 years. DTTC is one of Britain’s most inclusive and successful table tennis organisations, with more than 300 members of all ages. The club operates within the Drumchapel Community Sports Hub, promoting health, connection, and opportunity through sport.
DTTC’s programs provide access to coaching, competitive play, and social engagement for everyone from schoolchildren to seniors. Past iterations of Pim-Pam’s exhibitions have supported the club’s efforts while showcasing the cultural resonance of ping-pong. In 2022, BACKSP!N featured over 60 artist-designed paddles, including a contribution from Turner Prize winner Martin Boyce. In 2019, SP!N explored themes like balance, strength, and resilience—values embodied by the sport and its players.
This year’s exhibition continues that mission, using art and play to strengthen community ties and elevate everyday objects into symbols of hope and unity.
Pim-Pam Blends Art and Athletics to Support Community Sport
TOPSP!N marks more than just an art exhibition for Glasgow-based creative studio Pim-Pam. Known for its work with Bentley Motors, Highland Park, and UEFA, the award-winning studio uses this event to showcase sport’s enduring value beyond fleeting trends like pickleball. By pairing contemporary art with ping-pong paddles, Pim-Pam underscores table tennis as both a cultural and community force.
“TOPSP!N is more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community,” says Luke McCarthy, founder and creative director at Pim-Pam. The event supports Drumchapel Table Tennis Club (DTTC), which continues to provide inclusive, grassroots sports opportunities across Glasgow.
Exhibition visitors can place bids on their favorite paddles either in person or online until April 18. Unsold artworks will be available for direct purchase. All proceeds go toward expanding DTTC’s programming and infrastructure, helping young athletes access training, mentorship, and social connection.
Opening Night Highlights and How to Join the Auction
The exhibition’s opening night invited attendees to connect with artists and meet the community the event supports. Visitors challenged DTTC’s young players on a hand-painted, bespoke table designed by Bungo Sign Co., blending Glasgow’s creative flair with its athletic spirit.
The event’s accessible atmosphere matched its inclusive purpose. Art lovers, athletes, and families mingled under one roof, all united in support of a shared cause.
Funds raised through TOPSP!N directly contribute to DTTC’s continued outreach, coaching, and facility improvements. This collaboration between art and sport highlights how creativity can drive social good, turning everyday objects like ping-pong paddles into tools for opportunity and inclusion.
