Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Arts faces closure

Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) is facing closure after admitting its already strained finances are in a precarious position.

The centre said challenges caused by the pandemic and fires at the Glasgow School of Art had taken their toll on the business.

The CCA venue on Sauchiehall Street, which was originally set up as the Third Eye Centre, is home to a number of cultural tenants.

In a statement, its management team said that discussions with staff, programme partners and tenants had already begun over plans, which are likely to involve a temporary or partial closure in the near future.

A spokesperson said: “In recent weeks, CCA has learned that our financial position, already under strain, is no longer viable, placing the organisation in unprecedented financial precarity.

“Despite our best efforts to continue delivering our programme of exhibitions and events, the strain on our financial model has become unsustainable.”

The centre was first forced to close in 2018 after a fire destroyed the nearby Glasgow School of Art.

Several of the businesses which rented out space inside the building never returned after it reopened.

The centre’s cafe bar was later closed permanently after its tenants pulled out.

The CCA spokesperson added: “CCA has faced a series of profound challenges in recent years.

“The devastating fires at our neighbours, Glasgow School of Art, the extended closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the loss of our Café-Bar tenants have all severely impacted our financial stability.

“Our immediate focus is now on securing CCA’s long-term survival. Discussions with the staff team, programme partners and cultural tenants have started this week regarding our future plans – likely to be a temporary or partial closure later on this year.”