The Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) was established in December 1992 at 350 Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow, retaining the premises as a valuable city centre location for cultural use. As one of only four such contemporary spaces in the UK, including Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), London, Arnolfini, Bristol and Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, as such CCA has a clearly stated national role within Scotland’s cultural infrastructure.

CCA is established and recognised as one of Europe’s leading contemporary galleries, and in addition works with a range of art forms including visual arts, performance, live art, dance, music, talks and events. Recent additions to CCA’s remit include a defined music policy centred around improvised, experimental and electronic music. CCA:film concentrates on screenings of experimental and independent art house film and documentary film and films you may not otherwise get to see in Glasgow.

CCA is an environment where everyone can encounter experimental art or just enjoy the creative atmosphere. Whether you come to see a new work or have a cup of coffee, CCA aims to provide the best experience possible. It has the confidence to be different and presents work that takes chances.

CCA is committed to presenting a challenging and diverse artistic and educational programme across art forms. The programme focuses on three key areas: visual arts, contemporary music and film, while also remaining committed to presenting dance, performance and spoken word through ongoing partnerships with other organisations in the city and beyond.

With financial assistance from the Scottish Arts Council Lottery Fund in October 2001, CCA relaunched after a £10.5 million building development programme to redevelop the site at 350 Sauchiehall Street. Building work commenced in June 1999 and the new building opened to the public in October 2001. Since that date, CCA has received over half a million visitors.

The building incorporates five performance/exhibition spaces, an education space, two cafe-bar/restaurant facilities, space for up to 10 cultural tenants, the headquarters of Scotland's Cultural Enterprise Office, and a studio flat for visiting artists and speakers

By awarding CCA with Lottery funds, the Scottish Arts Council showed recognition of CCA’s contribution to Scottish culture, commitment to the young emerging Scottish artist, creation of opportunities locally, nationally and internationally for that sector.

Likewise Historic Scotland’s financial support of the project illustrates the value to Scotland of the premises in terms of architectural excellence and uniqueness. In addition, the restoration of this Grade A listed building, designed by Alexander ‘Greek’ Thompson, within the heart of the city, illustrates that, together with the Mackintosh buildings surrounding it, this quarter of the city is a focus of architectural interest and the cultural usage of these buildings has a unique cultural tourism attraction.