Is Glasgow's Centre for Contemporary Arts Facing Permanent Closure?

The Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Glasgow is set to permanently close due to serious financial concerns, leaving all staff redundant. This closure follows a challenging period marked by protests over its governance and financial instability, despite receiving significant funding from Creative Scotland just a year prior. The venue, a key player in Glasgow's arts scene since 1992, has struggled with various operational issues, culminating in this final decision which has sparked disappointment among its staff and the wider community.

Last updated: 29 September 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The CCA's closure comes amid revelations of financial mismanagement and governance failures. Staff were informed of their redundancy in an online meeting with just one day's notice, leading to the cancellation of all upcoming events. The union representing the staff, Unite Hospitality, expressed its dismay over the handling of the situation, highlighting the uncertainty and lack of support faced by employees during this turbulent time.

Key takeaways

The CCA has permanently closed following financial instability and governance issues.
All staff have been made redundant with only one day's notice.
Creative Scotland suspended further funding due to the CCA's inability to demonstrate viability.
The closure follows a year of protests and operational challenges.
Staff and union representatives have expressed deep concern over the decision-making process.

Timeline: how we got here

Over the past few years, the CCA has experienced considerable turmoil:

1992: The CCA opens its doors, taking over from the Third Eye Centre.
2018: The venue temporarily closes due to a fire at the nearby Glasgow School of Art.
2023: The CCA receives £3.4 million in funding, but struggles with financial management and governance issues.
August 2023: Protests erupt regarding the CCA's stance on the Palestinian cultural boycott.
September 2023: The CCA announces permanent closure and staff redundancies due to financial instability.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The CCA's permanent closure and the redundancy of all staff have just been announced, signalling the end of a prominent cultural venue in Glasgow. The statement from the board cited an inability to achieve a sustainable financial position and the commencement of liquidation proceedings.

What was already established

Prior to the closure, the CCA had faced ongoing financial difficulties, staff protests, and governance challenges, including several board resignations and calls for stronger ethical policies. Despite receiving renewed funding from Creative Scotland in early 2023, the venue struggled to recover from past operational setbacks.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The closure of the CCA will significantly impact local arts consumers and households in Glasgow. The loss of a key cultural venue limits access to artistic events and community engagement. Additionally, it may affect local businesses that relied on foot traffic generated by the CCA's programming.

Businesses and jobs

With the CCA's closure, the local creative sector faces uncertainty. Many artists and businesses that operated within the CCA will need to seek alternative venues or platforms for their work. This may lead to job losses beyond the immediate redundancy of CCA staff, impacting the broader cultural economy in Glasgow.

Policy and regulation

The situation raises questions about the governance structures within cultural organisations in Scotland. Creative Scotland's involvement and decision to halt funding highlight the need for greater accountability and transparency in how such bodies are managed.

Numbers that matter

£3.4 million: The funding awarded to the CCA by Creative Scotland for a three-year period.
1992: The year the CCA was established, succeeding the Third Eye Centre.
Four: The number of times the CCA had to close in the last eight years due to various crises.
One: The day’s notice given to staff about their redundancies.
63: The age of a woman involved in a protest who was arrested and taken to hospital during a conflict over the CCA's governance.

Definitions and jargon buster

CCA: Centre for Contemporary Arts, a prominent arts venue in Glasgow.
Creative Scotland: The national agency responsible for promoting the visual and performing arts in Scotland.
PACBI: Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel, a movement advocating for a cultural boycott of Israel.
Unite Hospitality: A trade union representing workers in the hospitality sector.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, former CCA staff and stakeholders must assess their options, including seeking new employment or alternative venues for artistic expression. The local arts community may need to rally to fill the gap left by the CCA's closure.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Looking ahead, stakeholders should engage with Creative Scotland and local authorities to explore potential avenues for reopening or repurposing the CCA building. Discussions regarding governance reform in cultural organisations may also emerge as a priority.

Signals to watch

Updates from Creative Scotland about future funding and support for cultural venues.
Potential initiatives from local artists and organisations to create alternative platforms for art.
Reactions from the community regarding the CCA's closure and future plans for the site.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about local arts initiatives and how to support them.
Engage with community discussions around the future of cultural venues in Glasgow.
Explore alternative artistic platforms and events in the area.

Don’t

Don’t overlook the importance of supporting local artists during this transition.
Don’t dismiss the need for reform in cultural governance in Scotland.
Don’t shy away from expressing your concerns about the future of the arts in Glasgow.

Checklist

Research local arts organisations and their events.
Connect with former CCA staff to understand their plans post-closure.
Participate in community forums discussing the future of arts funding.
Follow updates from Creative Scotland on funding opportunities.
Advocate for transparency and accountability in cultural governance.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The CCA's closure raises several uncertainties, including the potential for future funding and support for cultural initiatives in Glasgow. The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of new proposals for the CCA site or alternative venues emerging. However, the lack of clarity on the financial viability of similar organisations poses risks for future arts programming.

Bottom line

The permanent closure of the CCA marks a significant loss for Glasgow's cultural landscape, reflecting broader challenges faced by arts organisations in maintaining financial stability amid governance issues. As the community reflects on this loss, it is crucial to consider how to support the local arts scene moving forward.

FAQs

Why is the CCA closing?

The CCA is closing due to serious financial concerns and an inability to achieve a sustainable financial position, leading to the redundancy of all staff.

What will happen to the staff at the CCA?

All staff at the CCA have been made redundant with immediate effect, receiving only one day's notice about their job losses.

What is Creative Scotland's role in this situation?

Creative Scotland provided funding to the CCA but has now suspended further payments due to the venue's inability to demonstrate ongoing viability.