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Last month, the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Glasgow unexpectedly closed its doors, leaving 40 staff members unemployed. This sudden shutdown followed serious concerns regarding the centre’s financial stability, compounded by disputes involving artists and activists about contentious issues such as the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The closure took many by surprise, especially the creative community engaged in ongoing projects within the venue.
One of the affected groups was Call to Stage, a small non-profit theatre company based in Glasgow, which was poised to premiere its latest work, **Spring Awakening**, at the CCA. Co-founder Olivia Attwooll-Keith explained, “The first we knew of the closure was in a news article.” She described the immediate reaction as both “shocking” and emotionally taxing, highlighting the scramble experienced by many artists today: “trying to save a project in a struggling creative economy, with venues disappearing overnight.” Despite the dramatic disruption and just days from opening, the team was resolute in ensuring their show would proceed. With a committed cast of 14 and a crew of around 10, all balancing their creative pursuits alongside full-time jobs, the closure intensified their determination. Eventually, the production opened at the National Piping Centre, albeit with some adaptations to the staging, though financial losses remain due to the cancelled booking at the CCA.
Meanwhile, visual artist Daisy Mulholland faced significant setbacks when the CCA closed days before the launch of her new art shop and a circus-themed event featuring aerial acts, laser shows, and animation. Despite months of preparation, including rehearsals and costume creation, the closure left all equipment and materials locked inside the building, rendering her unable to proceed or reorganize the event. Daisy shared the impact: “We had so much online interest, and over 250 people were meant to be attending,” but explained that the immediate closure forced her to notify attendees of the postponement on the very day it was due to happen. Unable to access her stock, her shop remains closed, and the loss of sales and disrupted growth has been a heavy blow. She is currently consulting with Scottish Enterprise and other agencies to explore next steps. Daisy reflected on her optimism before the closure, saying the CCA had been “such a positive and inspiring place,” fostering a collaborative atmosphere she hoped would draw more people to Sauchiehall Street.
Glasgow’s poet laureate, Jim Carruth, also voiced concern over how the CCA’s shutdown affects writers. His network, St Mungo’s Mirrorball, which has partnered with the centre for over a decade, relied heavily on access to free space for events. “It has been vital to our survival,” Carruth said, emphasizing the importance of the accessible, affordable venue that also offered a bar—something few other local venues could match. Though their upcoming event will move to a nearby Waterstones bookstore, future arrangements remain uncertain. The building itself, located at 350 Sauchiehall Street and owned by Creative Scotland, is currently under the CCA’s
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