Glasgow Centre for Contemporary Arts
by: Steve Spry
The Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow, Scotland presents the
very best in contemporary visual art, performance, film, music, spoken
word, club nights and more.
Glasgow CCA is an environment where everyone can encounter experimental
art or just enjoy the creative atmosphere. Whether you come to see a
new work or have a cup of coffee, we want to provide the best experience
possible. We have the confidence to be different and we present work
that takes chances.
Glasgow CCA is committed to presenting a challenging and diverse artistic
and educational programme across art forms. The programme focuses on
three key areas: visual arts, contemporary music and film, while also
remaining committed to presenting dance, performance and spoken word
through ongoing partnerships with other organisations in the city and
beyond.
With financial assistance from the SAC Lottery fund in October 2001,
Glasgow CCA relaunched after a £10.5 million building development
programme to redevelop the site at 350 Sauchiehall Street. Building
work commenced in June 1999 the new building opened to the public in
October 2001. Since that date, Glasgow CCA has received over half a
million visitors.
The building incorporates:
* five performance/exhibition spaces
* an education space
* two Cafe-bar / restaurant facilities
* a bookshop
* space for up to ten cultural tenants
* Scotland's Cultural Entrprise Office headquarters
* a studio flat for visiting artists and speakers
The Glasgow CCA was established in December 1992 at 350 Sauchiehall
Street, retaining the premises as a valuable city centre location for
cultural use. As one of only four such contemporary spaces in the U.K.,
including ICA, London, Arnolfini, Bristol and Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff,
as such Glasgow CCA has a clearly stated national role within Scotland’s
cultural infrastructure.
Glasgow CCA is established and recognised as one of Europe’s
leading contemporary galleries, and in addition works with a range of
artforms including visual arts, performance, live art, dance, music,
talks and events. Recent additions to Glasgow CCA’s remit include
a defined music policy centred around improvised, experimental and electronic
music. Glasgow CCA:film concentrate on screenings of experimental and
independent arthouse film and documentary film and films you may not
otherwise get to see in Glasgow.
By awarding Glasgow CCA with Lottery funds, The Scottish Arts Council
showed recognition of Glasgow CCA’s contribution to Scottish culture,
commitment to the young emerging Scottish artist, creation of opportunities
locally, nationally and internationally for that sector.
Likewise Historic Scotland’s financial support of the project
illustrates the value to Scotland of the premises in terms of architectural
excellence and uniqueness. In addition, the restoration of this Grade
A listed building, designed by Alexander ‘Greek’ Thompson,
within the heart of the city, illustrates that, together with the Mackintosh
buildings surrounding it, this quarter of the city is a focus of architectural
interest and the cultural usage of these buildings has a unique cultural
tourism attraction.
About The Author - Steve Spry http://www.glasgowpanorama.co.uk/
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