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ART ARTICLES
Glasgow Centre for Contemporary Arts
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:
* 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 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.
About The Author
Steve Spry http://www.glasgowpanorama.co.uk/ |
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