As you’ll likely already be aware, Scotland is world-renowned for its art spaces, and here is SNACK’s guide to them.
In Glasgow, the CCA has been around since 1991, and runs the full gamut of artistic expression. It incorporates small gigs, film screenings that include film festival fare, and is a great place to grab a pint and meet like-minded arty types. Home to the Glasgow Film Festival, the Glasgow Film Theatre is a titan of independent cinema, and one of the few left standing in Scotland. From new independent films to old classics, the GFT has you covered. On Friday afternoons there are half-price tickets, and concessions apply for students. You can also catch the Glasgow Short Film Festival there, and many other events covering Scotland’s film-making talent. There are a number of film festivals around Scotland, some in diverse places like Lewis, Harris and the Scottish Borders, where you can catch films of all types. If you like anime, Scotland Loves Anime has you covered. If you like African films, Africa in Motion is for you.
Founded in 1972, Glasgow Print Studio provides a space for workshops and a gallery for artists who work in original prints. Its state-of-the-art facilities are internationally acclaimed and will serve all of your needs, whether it be as an artist or frequenter of galleries. Likewise, The Alchemy Experiment is an art space and gallery that also features workshops, and has occasional exhibitions run by students, so it’s a great way to get some experience if you’re looking for a career in the arts.
The Tron Theatre has been a stalwart of the Glasgow cultural scene for over 20 years, and supplies a space for gigs, theatre, comedy, and dance. Also in Glasgow, The Modern Institute works with established and emerging artists to host a yearly programme across its two spaces. The Institute also works with the artists to plan exhibitions worldwide and is a great place to check out Scottish art.
Whether you want to settle down to take in a new independent film by the world’s best film-makers, or get the caffeine doon ye and make it through the legendary All Night Horror Madness –if you thought Barbieheimer wasn’t for the faint-hearted, you haven’t seen anything yet – the Cameo remains the only spot to do so in Edinburgh.
Just down the road, the Fruitmarket gallery and cultural space has been held in high esteem for decades now and is a great place to relax into a new exhibition. The best thing is that their space is free to enter, so if you’re in need of a culture hit but are counting the pennies, this is the place for you. Atop Carlton hill is one of our favourite spots for boundary-breaking contemporary art: Collective. Even outwith the artwork, it’s a good place to just stop for a moment and watch the world go by.
Jupiter Artland has a distinctive location that will tickle your retinas. Set in a contemporary sculpture garden with indoor and outdoor exhibits, it’s one of Scotland’s best galleries. Works from artists such as Phyllida Barlow and Anthony Gormley’s adorn the gardens and halls, and it’s currently hosting SNACK cover star Lindsey Mendick’s installation, SH*TFACED.
The Traverse Theatre is another Edinburgh stalwart, and its welcoming bar and cutting-edge shows are the stuff of legend. Just around the corner, the Royal Lyceum Theatre offers a more classical feel, with its majestic hall housing shows by such luminaries as Daniel Kitson. Plus the National Galleries of Scotland are an institution to get acquainted with, especially as many of their exhibitions are free.
Macrobert Arts Centre is Stirling’s culture hub. It contains a cinema, has dance and opera shows, and offers a variety of other artistic endeavours. Dundee Contemporary Arts, like the Macrobert, has abundant space for artists to exhibit as well as a print studio and two cinema screens. It’s also a charitable organisation, doing great work for the community. Scope in Paisley has a similar outlook, dedicated to showcasing creativity in Renfrewshire, and has many events and exhibitions concentrating on local artists.
Featured Image Traverse Theatre. Photo Credit: Raymond Davies
