by: Steve Spry
The Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow presents the very best in contemporary visual art, performance, film, music, spoken word, club nights and more.
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.
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, 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, CCA has received over half a million visitors.
The building incorporates:
The 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 CCA has a clearly stated national role within Scotland’s cultural infrastructure.
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 CCA’s remit include a defined music policy centred around improvised, experimental and electronic music. 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 CCA with Lottery funds, The Scottish Arts Council showed recognition of 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.