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Glasgow artists struggle to cope with CCA’s decline
The abrupt shutdown of the arts venue has sparked worries among local creatives about potential alternatives for showcasing their art.
In a surprise move, the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Glasgow shut down last month, leaving its 40 staff members without jobs and sparking widespread shock.

Financial concerns and disputes with artists and activists, including those related to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, led to the abrupt closure of the CCA.
The news caught off guard hundreds of artists and creatives who were working on projects at or near the CCA, throwing their plans into disarray.
Call to Stage, a Glasgow-based non-profit theatre company, was set to premiere its production of Spring Awakening at the CCA, but the sudden closure forced them to find a new venue.
According to co-founder Olivia Attwooll-Keith, the company first learned of the closure through a news article, which marked the beginning of a frantic search for an alternative venue.
The discovery that the CCA had made its staff redundant and was closing immediately sent the company into crisis mode, as they scrambled to salvage their production.
This experience is all too familiar for many artists, who face significant challenges in a struggling creative economy where venues can disappear overnight, leaving them to pick up the pieces.
Call to Stage's production of Spring Awakening, a Broadway musical from 2006, tells a complex coming-of-age story set in a strict 19th-century community, posing a significant creative challenge.
With the clock ticking, the company managed to find a new venue, determined to bring the show to life despite the setbacks.
Olivia Attwooll-Keith notes that the cast and crew had invested four months of work, on top of their full-time jobs, and were determined to see the project through to its conclusion.
The loss of the original venue only strengthened their resolve to stage the show, driven by a desire to overcome the obstacles and bring their creative vision to life.
After a rapid relocation, the show finally opened at the National Piping Centre, albeit with some modifications to the staging.
Although the company has managed to control ticket sales through their own box office, they are still awaiting reimbursement of approximately £2,000 from their cancelled booking at the CCA, which they had paid in full in December.
While many organisations have offered support and alternative venues, the experience has highlighted the fragility of independent theatre infrastructure in Scotland, leaving the company to navigate a challenging landscape.
Olivia Attwooll-Keith observes that the potential loss of the show would have had far-reaching consequences, not only financially but also in terms of the creative work and opportunities for early-career performers.
The situation is particularly poignant given that the musical explores themes of young people navigating systems that fail to listen to them, a message that was nearly silenced by the circumstances.
Another event that fell victim to the CCA's closure was the launch of Daisy Mulholland's new art shop, a spectacular circus-themed event featuring aerial performances, lasers, and animation.

The event, which had generated significant online interest and was expected to draw over 250 attendees, was cancelled when the CCA shut down, leaving the organisers with a huge logistical challenge.
Daisy Mulholland notes that the project had been months in the making, with extensive rehearsals, costume design, and installations, only to be derailed by the sudden closure of the venue.
On the day of the closure, she received an email informing her of the situation, and by the time she arrived at the CCA, the locks had been changed, leaving her equipment and stock trapped inside.
As a result, Daisy has been unable to rearrange the launch event or make future plans, and her art shop within the CCA remains inaccessible, causing significant disruption to her business.
The closure has resulted in lost sales, stunted growth, and an inability to fulfil pre-orders, with the added burden of refunds for the cancelled event, which had to be notified to attendees at short notice.
Daisy's original business, The Woom Room, had successfully transitioned from the Savoy Centre to the Barras Market, and she had been excited to bring her concept to the CCA, only to see her plans derailed by the sudden closure.
She had envisioned the CCA as a vibrant hub, building on the success of her previous ventures, and was working with the community to develop new ideas and bring more people to the area.
Daisy is currently in discussions with Scottish Enterprise and other agencies to explore her options and find a way forward.
The closure of the CCA has had a ripple effect on her business, resulting in lost sales, disrupted growth, and an inability to access her stock or fulfil customer orders.
The situation has also necessitated refunds for the cancelled event, which was announced to attendees on the day of the closure, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Glasgow's poet laureate, Jim Carruth, notes that the closure of the CCA has also impacted the city's writing community.

The St Mungo's Mirrorball, a network of 100 poets founded by Jim in 2005, had a long-standing partnership with the CCA, which provided a vital platform for showcasing local and UK poets.
Jim emphasizes that the CCA's support was essential to the survival of the St Mungo's Mirrorball, as they receive no public funding and rely on the free room provided by the CCA for their events.
The partnership allowed them to host seven events annually, featuring prominent poets, and was a cornerstone of their activities.
While their next event, featuring Anthony Vahni Capildeo, will take place at a nearby Waterstones book shop, Jim expresses concerns about finding suitable venues for future readings, given the unique combination of accessibility, affordability, and amenities offered by the CCA.
The CCA's central location, bar, and overall atmosphere made it an ideal venue, and Jim worries that few alternative spaces in Glasgow can match these qualities.
As the owner of the building at 350 Sauchiehall Street, Creative Scotland, which rented it to the CCA for a nominal fee of £1 per year, is now faced with the task of determining the centre's future.
In a recent appearance before the Scottish parliament's culture committee, Creative Scotland's chief executive, Iain Munro, stated that he would not rush into reopening the CCA, instead focusing on exploring new possibilities and ideas.

Iain Munro emphasized Creative Scotland's commitment to finding a long-term solution, rather than rushing into a hasty reopening, and highlighted the need for solid foundations to ensure the centre's viability.
He noted that there has been significant interest in the building and its potential uses, and that Creative Scotland is engaged in discussions with various parties to explore these opportunities.
The key challenge, according to Iain Munro, is to find a solution that can provide a stable and sustainable future for the centre, rather than simply reopening it without a clear plan.
Although the CCA has faced closures in the past, including one due to funding uncertainty, the current situation is distinct, as the centre had been promised £1.3m in funding from Creative Scotland for the upcoming financial year.
For Olivia Attwooll-Keith, the experience has only strengthened her determination to stage her show, and she remains committed to finding a way to bring her creative vision to life, despite the obstacles posed by the CCA's closure.
Despite the challenges, she reflects on the past week as a mixed experience, marked by both difficulties and remarkable moments.
The cast's perseverance in rehearsing and staging a complex production, despite uncertainty, is a testament to their dedication and the resilience of the arts, which strives to continue performing and providing audiences with opportunities to experience new work.
Daisy Mulholland is now in a state of limbo, awaiting the possibility that her unfinished work might be revived and staged at a later date.
According to her, the collaborative process of bringing a project to life involves significant emotional and financial investment, making the abrupt cancellation of a project a crushing experience that can have severe emotional and financial consequences.
News
Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role
Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.
Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.
Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.
Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.
As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.
Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.
Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.
According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.
Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.
Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.
Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.
Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.
The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.
Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.
Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.
Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.
Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.
If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.
For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.
News
Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years
Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.
Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.
It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.
The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.
A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.
During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.
Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.
BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.
It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.
The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.
Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.
Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.
The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.
A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.
The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.
It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.
The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.
Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.
Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.
News
Bangladesh Nationalist Party Wins Landslide in Country’s First Poll Since Youth-Led Protests
The public is looking forward to a shift back to democratic governance, following a 15-year period of authoritarian leadership by Sheikh Hasina.
In a significant shift in the country's political landscape, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a decisive majority in parliament, 18 months after widespread protests led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the country's longest-serving prime minister.

The BNP secured over two-thirds of the seats in the recent general election, with the Jamaat party, the main Islamist party in the country, coming in second; meanwhile, the Awami League, led by Hasina, was not allowed to participate in the election.
As the BNP's leader, Tarique Rahman is poised to become the next prime minister, facing significant challenges in revitalizing the economy and restoring democratic principles after 15 years of authoritarian rule under Hasina's leadership.
In a concurrent referendum, voters also expressed support for comprehensive democratic reforms, which are expected to shape the country's future.
Following Friday prayers in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, "I am grateful for the love you have shown me"; his party has chosen not to hold a victory procession.
Rahman, who was elected to parliament for the first time, was among the 212 successful BNP candidates; according to the Election Commission, voter turnout was 59.44%.
This marks a significant turnaround for Rahman, who spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London before taking over as party leader after his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away in December.
During his campaign, Rahman pledged to restore democratic principles and practices in the country.
The new government will need to address pressing issues, including economic revitalization, controlling rising food prices, and creating employment opportunities for the country's large youth population.
Rebuilding relations with neighboring India is also a key priority for the incoming government.
In the aftermath of his victory, Rahman received a congratulatory call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledged his "remarkable victory".
Modi took to social media to reaffirm India's commitment to promoting peace, progress, and prosperity in both countries, citing their deep historical and cultural ties.
Although the BNP has pledged to bring about change, the party has faced criticism in the past for corruption and alleged human rights abuses during its previous tenure in government in the early 2000s.
The recent election represents a pivotal moment for the country, with one of the two main parties achieving a significant victory, presenting both opportunities and risks.
Proposed constitutional reforms include introducing term limits for the prime minister, establishing a directly elected upper house of parliament, strengthening presidential powers, and increasing judicial independence.
The reforms also aim to increase female representation in parliament, an area where significant progress is still needed, as evidenced by the limited number of successful female candidates in the recent election.
As the newly elected leader, Tarique Rahman will face intense scrutiny as he works to deliver on his promises to a predominantly young electorate eager for change, many of whom participated in the student-led protests that ultimately led to Hasina's removal and paved the way for the February 12 election.
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