Glasgow’s iconic Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) has announced its permanent closure, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the cultural community. Following persistent financial difficulties, all staff members have been made redundant, marking a grim chapter for a venue that has been a cornerstone of the city’s artistic landscape since 1992. This announcement comes just a year after the CCA secured £3.4 million in funding from Creative Scotland, raising serious questions about financial management and governance within the organisation.
A Legacy of Controversy and Challenges
The CCA has faced a myriad of challenges in recent years, ranging from a fire at the nearby Glasgow School of Art in 2018 to ongoing disputes with artists regarding ethical stances on political issues, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Notably, the centre has been embroiled in protests led by pro-Palestinian artists, who have demanded a formal boycott of Israel. A whistleblower’s social media account revealed claims of financial irregularities, including payment issues and unexplained expenses, suggesting deeper problems within the organisation.
In a statement, Unite Hospitality union confirmed that staff were informed of their redundancy in a video call with only one day’s notice, leading to the cancellation of all upcoming events. The union expressed their devastation over the closure, highlighting the tireless efforts staff made to maintain operations despite the turbulent environment. “Our thoughts are with colleagues, cultural tenants, partners, artists, and communities, locally, nationally, and internationally, who will all feel the loss of this space,” they remarked.
Financial Mismanagement and Leadership Failures
Creative Scotland has clarified its inability to continue funding the CCA, citing the centre’s failure to demonstrate ongoing viability as a key reason. The board’s admission of being “unable to achieve a sustainable financial position” and its subsequent decision to enter liquidation raises alarm bells about the future of the CCA and its role as a cultural resource. The board has expressed intentions to explore options for a potential reopening, but skepticism remains high given the circumstances.
The CCA’s leadership has experienced instability, with several high-profile resignations occurring over the past year. The appointment of Muse Greenwood as chairwoman lasted just a month, leaving the organisation grappling with leadership gaps and a lack of clear direction. Amidst this chaos, Louise Norris, who had previously served on the board, was reappointed, joining the remaining directors in an attempt to navigate the troubled waters. However, the lack of coherent strategy has left many questioning the centre’s future viability.
The Impact of Protests and Community Response
The CCA’s financial decline cannot solely be attributed to external pressures such as protests. While the protests highlighted significant community concerns regarding ethical governance and cultural responsibility, they also underscored the centre’s failure to effectively engage with its audience and adapt to the evolving landscape of contemporary art. The backlash against the board’s reluctance to support the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) further alienated segments of the artistic community.
In June 2022, a protest led by Art Workers for Palestine Scotland escalated into a police incident, prompting criticism of the CCA’s handling of dissent. Following this, the centre temporarily closed its doors, a decision that proved detrimental to its already precarious financial situation. A second, more peaceful protest in January 2023 called for the CCA to reaffirm its commitment to solidarity and liberation, but the damage had already been done.
A Cultural Void
The CCA’s closure leaves a significant void in Glasgow’s cultural scene, a space that historically served as a platform for diverse voices and artistic expression. Originally the home of the Third Eye Centre, which featured prominent figures such as Billy Connolly and Whoopi Goldberg, the CCA carried the torch of countercultural creativity. Yet, the current landscape has changed dramatically, with increased competition and a shift in audience expectations complicating the centre’s mission.
The closure of the CCA, along with the loss of its café bar Saramago earlier this year due to staffing disputes, signals not just a financial collapse but a broader cultural crisis. The centre had struggled to adapt to the challenges posed by recent global events, including the pandemic and the ongoing socio-political debates surrounding artistic responsibility.
Why it Matters
The permanent closure of Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Arts is a poignant reminder of the fragility of cultural institutions in today’s landscape. It highlights the critical importance of sound financial management, effective leadership, and community engagement in sustaining artistic spaces that foster creativity and dialogue. As cities grapple with the complexities of cultural representation and accountability, the loss of the CCA serves as both a warning and a call to action for similar organisations. The cultural fabric of Glasgow has been irrevocably altered, and the echoes of this closure will be felt far beyond the walls of the CCA.
