ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Outcry over potential sale of Glasgow CCA archive

cultural-heritage · 2026-08-03

People from various backgrounds, including arts advocates and politicians, are urging the Scottish government to intervene after the Glasgow Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) archive became part of a bankrupt organization's assets. This archive holds over 50 years of Scotland's contemporary cultural history and is now at risk of being broken up or sold off during the liquidation. Recently, a protest called 'Stop the Sale' was held outside the CCA. To preserve the collection, Creative Scotland is collaborating with Glasgow Life and the Ballast Trust. Amanda Catto warned that selling the archive would lead to an 'irreversible loss,' while David Green MSP called for governmental protection of cultural heritage. The CCA closed in January due to financial troubles, leading to an inquiry by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.

Key facts

  • The archive of Glasgow's Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) is listed among assets of the insolvent organisation.
  • The archive documents over 50 years of Scotland's contemporary cultural history.
  • A 'Stop the Sale' demonstration took place outside the building on Friday.
  • Creative Scotland owns the CCA building on Sauchiehall Street.
  • Creative Scotland is working with Glasgow Life and the Ballast Trust to preserve the collection.
  • Amanda Catto warned of 'an irreversible loss to Scotland's cultural record' if the archive is broken up or sold.
  • MB Valuations is seeking advice on the archive's future and inviting expressions of interest.
  • David Green MSP called for steps to preserve the archive.
  • Save Our CCA has launched a petition to keep the archive intact and the building in public ownership.
  • The CCA entered liquidation in January, with the loss of all staff.
  • The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator concluded its inquiry without further action.

Entities

Institutions

  • Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA)
  • Third Eye Centre
  • Creative Scotland
  • Glasgow Life
  • Ballast Trust
  • MB Valuations
  • Save Our CCA
  • Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator
  • Scottish Liberal Democrats
  • The Art Newspaper

Locations

  • Glasgow
  • Scotland
  • Sauchiehall Street

Sources