Latest news with #CentreforContemporaryArts
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow arts centre 'deeply sorry' for handling of Palestine protest
The Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) on Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow has been closed since Art Workers for Palestine Scotland occupied the building on June 24 over the centre's refusal to adopt a Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) policy or support the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI). Protesters had planned to take over the building for five days, hosting events, workshops and screenings exploring 'the complicity of Scotland's cultural institutions' in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. However, the CCA announced a temporary closure after the first day of the takeover led to the arrest of a 63-year-old woman and an injury to one individual. The centre has remained closed, though officials have now said they are 'deeply sorry' for how the incident was handled. READ NEXT: Glasgow DJ at risk of 'far-right repression' launches fundraiser to stay in Scotland READ NEXT: Racist teen thug terrorised East End neighbours during 11-month crime spree Police vans outside of CCA on June 24 (Image: NQ) A statement shared on the venue's website reads: 'CCA Glasgow acknowledges the disruption, confusion and harm experienced over recent weeks, particularly by our community, artists, staff, tenants and partners. 'We sincerely regret the outcome of our decisions on June 24 and that an individual was injured. We recognise that a lack of clarity on our choices had real human consequences, and for this we are deeply sorry. 'We apologise for the delay in external communications, as we focused first on internal dialogue so that we could provide clear and considered information when speaking publicly. 'We are listening and know that trust cannot be repaired with words alone, but through consistent, honest, and long-term work.' Following on from the prolonged closure, CCA have said they are 'accelerating' plans for leadership changes within the institution. A new finance manager is set to be appointed this month and once the current chair's term ends in October, the venue will seek a 'new permanent leadership for CCA'. New board members are also set to be recruited, with 'an aim to widen the scope of experience, background, and representation, including global majority voices'. Amidst the centre's closure, an independent bookshop housed within the premises has been 'asked to leave' after 17 years. Aye Aye Books – whose aim is to think about the world we live in, how it works, what powers it, who runs it, and how we might need to respond to that – was asked to relocate by the centre. In an email from CCA shared by owner Martin Vincent, the centre said that whilst it undertakes discussions with funding sources to work towards reopening, 'it is probably sensible to accept that this period of closure marks the end of CCA's relationship with Aye Aye Books'. Almost two months after the protest, the institution has decided to reverse its decision on stance on supporting PACBI measures, noting the 'urgency' of calls to endorse the movement. The CCA will reopen 'without formal endorsement', but said it is working towards 'adopting an ethical fundraising and programming policy'. 'We condemn the violence of the Israeli state, the ongoing occupation, genocide, and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza', the statement continues. 'We stand firmly against all forms of oppression and in support of the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. "We respect the calls for CCA to endorse PACBI (the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel). 'We are grateful to those who have challenged us and held us to account and have clearly and powerfully expressed the need for cultural institutions to take a stand.' A provisional re-opening date has been set for August 25.
The National
2 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Glasgow arts centre 'deeply sorry' for handling of Palestine protest
The Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) on Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow has been closed since Art Workers for Palestine Scotland occupied the building on June 24 over the centre's refusal to adopt a Boycotts, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) policy or support the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI). Protesters had planned to take over the building for five days, hosting events, workshops and screenings exploring 'the complicity of Scotland's cultural institutions' in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. READ MORE: 'America could stop this horror today': Protesters to welcome JD Vance to Scotland However, the CCA announced a temporary closure after the first day of the takeover led to the arrest of a 63-year-old woman and an injury to one individual. The centre has remained closed, though officials have now said they are 'deeply sorry' for how the incident was handled. Police vans outside of CCA on June 24 (Image: NQ) A statement shared on the venue's website reads: 'CCA Glasgow acknowledges the disruption, confusion and harm experienced over recent weeks, particularly by our community, artists, staff, tenants and partners. 'We sincerely regret the outcome of our decisions on June 24 and that an individual was injured. We recognise that a lack of clarity on our choices had real human consequences, and for this we are deeply sorry. 'We apologise for the delay in external communications, as we focused first on internal dialogue so that we could provide clear and considered information when speaking publicly. 'We are listening and know that trust cannot be repaired with words alone, but through consistent, honest, and long-term work.' Following on from the prolonged closure, CCA have said they are 'accelerating' plans for leadership changes within the institution. A new finance manager is set to be appointed this month and once the current chair's term ends in October, the venue will seek a 'new permanent leadership for CCA'. New board members are also set to be recruited, with 'an aim to widen the scope of experience, background, and representation, including global majority voices'. Amidst the centre's closure, an independent bookshop housed within the premises has been 'asked to leave' after 17 years. Aye Aye Books – whose aim is to think about the world we live in, how it works, what powers it, who runs it, and how we might need to respond to that – was asked to relocate by the centre. In an email from CCA shared by owner Martin Vincent, the centre said that whilst it undertakes discussions with funding sources to work towards reopening, 'it is probably sensible to accept that this period of closure marks the end of CCA's relationship with Aye Aye Books'. Almost two months after the protest, the institution has decided to reverse its decision on stance on supporting PACBI measures, noting the 'urgency' of calls to endorse the movement. The CCA will reopen 'without formal endorsement', but said it is working towards 'adopting an ethical fundraising and programming policy'. READ MORE: Row as gender-critical book excluded from National Library exhibition 'We condemn the violence of the Israeli state, the ongoing occupation, genocide, and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza', the statement continues. 'We stand firmly against all forms of oppression and in support of the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. "We respect the calls for CCA to endorse PACBI (the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel). 'We are grateful to those who have challenged us and held us to account and have clearly and powerfully expressed the need for cultural institutions to take a stand.' A provisional re-opening date has been set for August 25.
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Arts centre apologises for handling of pro-Palestine protest
A statement released by the CCA expressed 'sincere regret' over the outcome of its decisions on the day, including the injuries suffered by a woman involved in the protest. Read more: The organisation has promised to recruit 'permanent leadership' for the CCA, which has been without a permanent director since the end of 2023, as well as new board members and a new chair, who will replace Jean Cameron when her term in the role ends in October. It has also pledged to roll out 'meaningful change' across all levels of the organisation. A sit-in protest was staged at the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow on June Scottish Government-funded venue, which has set out plans to reopen its doors to the public on August 25, has asked for 'support and patience' as it undertakes what it describes as a 'process of reflection and repair.' However the CCA, which secured £3.4m in funding for the next three years in January, has stopped short of supporting calls to support a full academic and cultural boycott of Israel, which has been demanded by pro-Palestine campaigners. The Art Workers for Palestine Group, which has been targeted a number of Scottish arts organisations in recent months, announced plans to "reclaim the CCA" for several days this week with a series of events in a "liberated zone" at the venue. The CCA said it had been forced to close to the public due to "safety and security concerns" over the "intended occupation" of its courtyard. The CCA also claimed it was forced to call in 'law enforcement' in response to a 'forced entry' of its building. However campaigners accused the CCA of "colluding" with the police and suggested there had been a 'violent crackdown' against the attempted sit-in. The group has since accused the CCA's management and senior staff of misrepresenting events at the protest and failing to apologise to protesters who were 'kettled, brutalised and oppressed.' The statement issued by the CCA said: 'CCA Glasgow acknowledges the disruption, confusion and harm experienced over recent weeks, particularly by our community, artists, staff, tenants and partners. 'We sincerely regret the outcome of our decisions on June 24 and that an individual was injured. We recognise that a lack of clarity on our choices had real human consequences, and for this we are deeply sorry. 'We apologise for the delay in external communications, as we focused first on internal dialogue so that we could provide clear and considered information when speaking publicly. 'We are listening and know that trust cannot be repaired with words alone, but through consistent, honest, and long-term work. 'The CCA is committed to lasting change, to listening more openly, making space for conversation, and taking shared responsibility. 'We are working to refresh our processes to ensure leadership reflects our principles, to amplify staff voices and to meet the changing needs of the CCA. 'Through this, we remain committed to meaningful engagement first within the organisation, and then with all those we work with and serve. This includes constructive dialogue with those who have raised concerns. 'Reopening will require a collective effort across our entire community. We now ask for your support and patience as we undertake this process of reflection and repair.' The CCA said it would be working with external partners, stakeholders and funders to ensure that board and management changes were 'transparent and inclusive.' Its statement added: 'We condemn the violence of the Israeli state, the ongoing occupation, genocide, and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. 'We stand firmly against all forms of oppression and in support of the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. We respect the calls for the CCA to endorse the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI). 'We are grateful to those who have challenged us and held us to account and have clearly and powerfully expressed the need for cultural institutions to take a stand. We recognise the urgency of the call to endorse PACBI. 'While the CCA will reopen without a formal endorsement, we are now working towards adopting an ethical fundraising and programming policy. 'We will revisit the decision on endorsement of PACBI when the new leadership is in place. 'In the last year we hosted 44 events in solidarity with Palestine and over 50 exhibitions on anti-colonialism, anti-racism, and resistance. 'We remain committed to work that reflects these values in practice. The CCA is now liaising with sector bodies and working to rebuild trust, re-engage with artists and communities, and continue dialogue. 'The CCA will engage in open and respectful discussions with those who have expressed concern about its future and purpose. 'We are committed to evolving our board and governance structures and processes to enable a legitimate and accountable review of this commitment in the future. 'This means holding space for meaningful internal discussion, ensuring our actions are supported by clear policies, and acknowledging the responsibility we have to implement this with care, integrity, and transparency. 'This will ensure that any commitment we make is both principled and practical. We ask now for time to complete this process with the depth it deserves.' The CCA was opened in 1992 at the home of the former Third Eye Centre, which was founded in 1974. Writers, artists and performers who have shown work or performed there include Allen Ginsberg, Whoopi Goldberg, John Byrne, Billy Connolly, Edwin Morgan, Kathy Acker, Damien Hirst, Sophie Calleite, Nathan Coley, Jacqueline Donachie, Louise Hopkins, Carol Rhodes, Richard Wright, David Shrigley and Ross Sinclair. The venue has had a number of difficulties over the last decade, including being forced to close for several months due to the impact of the 2018 Glasgow School of Art fire, a long-running dispute over the pay and conditions of workers at its cafe-bar, and financial problems, which forced the venue to close temporarily in December.
Spectator
06-08-2025
- Business
- Spectator
How the far-left devours progressive businesses
From all over the UK I am picking up stories of employees – or more often the activists who claim to represent them – cosplaying as revolutionaries. Strikers go for progressive business owners rather than the standard capitalist bogeymen, because they are softer targets. They force them to close and then attempt to take control in the name of workers' power. They are living a fantasy. For the workers never do hijack companies. They just lose their jobs. The owners lose their businesses. The customers lose a service. Everyone loses. The closures teach a lesson that being a nice, caring liberal whose sole wish is to plan a menu around vegan pasta sauces, is not the passport to a quiet life it once was. I first heard about business hijacking when contacts in Glasgow called me in 2023 about the fate of the Saramago cafe bar at the city's Centre for Contemporary Arts. As the Tripadvisor reviews showed, people liked it. It was a cut above most of the venues on Sauchiehall Street. There were menus for vegetarians and vegans, and DJs as the night wore on. One evening, a small group of staff members shut the cafe down. They said they wanted better staffing levels, but the owners said their demands had already been met, and fired them for their 'unannounced' strike in breach of their contract. Their union, the Industrial Workers of the World, responded by demanding the reinstatement of the sacked workers – as unions have always done. There were pickets, and social media demands to boycott Saramago – nothing unusual there, either. But then the normal restrictions on union action broke down. The campaign became so intense the Centre for Contemporary Arts closed the café because the dispute was putting the 'arts programme and the wellbeing of our staff' in danger. The small group staff who had precipitated the action submitted a bid to reopen the café as a workers' cooperative. But you need capital, licences and contracts with suppliers to run a catering operation and nothing came of it. Commercial operators weren't interested either. Despite inducements from the centre's management, they backed away for fear that they would receive the same treatment as Saramago. The people who contacted me from the Centre for Contemporary Arts were appalled. The café owners were not exploitative bosses, they said, but nice people who paid decent wages and had been around the Glasgow music scene for years. They could not understand where all the aggro had come from. I do, or at least I have a working theory. Journalists at the Guardian and Observer still remember the story told by Phillip Hope-Wallace, the Guardian's great post-war critic. He recalled the despairing cry from his father when he told him he had found a job with the Guardian, 'my dear boy, never work for a liberal newspaper they will sack you on Christmas Eve.' The argument goes that because liberal companies, charities and campaign groups think themselves virtuous, they treat their workers abysmally and expect them to put up with it in the name of the greater good. I have seen that happen. But in truth businesses that profess to be left wing are more likely to be vulnerable to assault from the left than standard capitalist enterprises. They can be more easily shamed on social media as hypocrites who refuse to live up to their values. Activists can target their leftish customers, as happened to Saramago, and persuade them to go elsewhere In other words, it's easier to destroy a community, vegan-friendly café than McDonald's. In 2023, I did not know what to do with the story. I had never heard of union activists destroying a business before. Negotiators are normally very careful not to risk putting their members out of work. This is just a freak occurrence, I thought. How wrong I was. To stay in Glasgow, the Centre for Contemporary Arts is now closed. It's not just the café that is gone, everything is closed. A group calling itself Art Workers for Palestine Scotland demanded last month that the centre boycott Israel. The board said it wasn't sure it could because of its duty to be politically impartial. A protest was planned. The management locked the doors, and for the time being Glasgow has not just lost a café but an arts centre, too, not because of funding cuts demanded by evil politicians, but because of the demands of activists. How much longer arts bureaucrats can ask taxpayers to fund this shambolic centre is now a live question. The city also had a music venue called 13th Note, which promoted new acts. Unite organised a strike in 2023 over working conditions and pay. Once again, the venue closed. Once again, there was an attempt to reopen it as a workers' cooperative and once again that failed too. I am not saying the workers didn't have a case. But by the end of the dispute, they didn't have a job. Meanwhile the current issue of the Londoner carries the grimly comic story of Scarlett Letters, named after its owner Marin Scarlett. Until a few weeks ago, it was a radical, queer independent bookshop in Bethnal Green, east London. As the authors Andrew Kersley and Jack Walton tell it, trouble began with the shop's disabled toilet, which, inexplicably, was installed in an inaccessible basement. Marin Scarlett told staff: 'We have had an issue over the last few weeks of people just letting themselves downstairs to use the toilet.' In future, staff were to personally escort anyone who asked to use the loo to ensure they didn't steal stock. The problem as she saw it was that her staff were simply too kind, too feminine, too British to refuse to allow access to random strangers wandering in off the street. 'You are all extremely nice, assigned female at birth, in customer service, mostly British etc., and all of this sometimes doesn't lend itself to 'no'.' As if to prove her wrong, the staff condemned her message as 'bizarre and sexist'. They unionised and demanded secure contracts and cooperative control of the store. 'The workers are queer, trans, racialised, disabled, sex workers and students,' they said in a statement. 'Their identities have been used to advertise and fundraise for the bookshop as a radical space whilst their voices are not listened to.' Marin Scarlett improved sick pay, but pointed out that her shop did not make a profit and relied on the generosity of an anonymous backer. It couldn't carry on with this level of disruption and had to close. Scarlett was clearly mortified at being treated as an oppressive boss rather than an ally: 'The management targeted by this dispute is not a faceless collective of executives in boardrooms. It is one person, who is multiply marginalised, a known member of the community and for the past year has been working for six or seven days a week for the fraction of the salary offered to the booksellers.' Her sacked employees weren't finished, however. They occupied the building and demanded that she give them the stock so they could start a new bookshop on their own. Scarlett had to round up friends and organise a nighttime raid to pack up the books and take back control of her property. As her team tooled up, and a locksmith stood ready to change the locks, I wonder if she ever imagined that running a queer bookshop would end like this. The left is always torn by arguments between reformists and revolutionaries, and nowhere more so than now. The threat that Trump, Farage and their kind pose to liberal democracy can make people argue that you must move to the centre and do everything you can to woo waverers. It's not a shabby argument. To my mind it is obvious that the US Democrats need to junk woke ideology if they are ever to save the American republic. But doubling down is an equally human reaction to hard times. You can see it in the enthusiasm in the US for the left-wing mayoral candidate in New York Zohran in the UK you can look at resident doctors who still went on strike despite their pay increasing by 28.9 per cent across the last three years. And you can see it too in the ferocity with which workers in progressive businesses turn on their employers, and in how little they care that they may end up destroying themselves as they attempt to destroy their bosses.
The National
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Police Scotland accused of 'injuring 63-year-old Palestine activist'
Lindsey Murray was arrested on June 24 amid a protest against complicity with Israeli war crimes at the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Glasgow. The Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee (GGEC) later claimed she had been 'brought unnecessarily to the ground' and 'sustained debilitating injuries' that required hospital treatment. Activists had organised a week-long series of events in the CCA's public space to demonstrate against the board's refusal to adopt a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) policy or endorse the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI). READ MORE: BBC host takes issue with legal expert labelling Israel's plans 'concentration camps' However, it was shut down on the first day, with police called to remove demonstrators from the building. A Police Scotland spokesperson said at the time: 'Around 12.55pm on Tuesday, 24 June, 2025, we received a report of a disturbance involving a large group on Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. 'One woman, aged 63, has been arrested in connection.' The GGEC claimed that Murray had been subject to a 'brutal arrest and hospitalisation by Police Scotland officers'. A statement from the group alleged that 'despite being seriously injured, unable to walk, and pleading for medical help', she was placed into a police van before being taken to a station. READ MORE: Scots Language Centre plunged into crisis as board resigns over payments row It said that she had been 'deemed unable to walk by medics' and taken to hospital, where she remained for two weeks. Video of the incident on social media shows Murray laying handcuffed, half-in a police van, as she says she cannot get further in. A Police Scotland spokesperson did not address the allegations in the statement. They said only: "A complaint has been received and is being assessed." The Scottish Ambulance Service said it had no record of being involved in treating a person in those circumstances on that date.
