“It can only work if you are prepared to get involved”

Just eight weeks into this eighteen month project and we are already unearthing some long forgotten artefacts that will help to build up and fill gaps in our collective knowledge and memories of the CCA’s heritage and it's predecessor The Third Eye Centre.



Image Credit: The Third Eye Centre

This cover page comes from an introductory newspaper launching The Third Eye Centre’s inaugural programme over thirty-five years ago in 1975, and it was kindly donated by someone who had heard of the project through a recent newspaper article.  Although we already have stacks of boxes to trawl through and sort, this was a very welcome addition.  Being just a twinkle in my father’s eye in 75’, I am particularly aware that it is the contribution of others through such simple donations or recollections that have the capacity to be the most valuable asset in the projects development.

We are not aiming to write a definitive history of this period. Rather we aim to organise and index, to provide easier access to a spectrum of materials that will provide a starting point for a variety of potential histories.  We hope this will further specialist research and general debate on the subject of contemporary art in Glasgow and beyond, to help ensure Glasgow remains a creative centre with the right conditions for artistic practice. 

Through this blog you will be able to track our progress as we disseminate information about project activities, with posts from all the team involved.  By drawing out ‘highlights’ from the material, we hope to solicit personal reflections and request input from those who may be able to answer some of the many questions the material is already throwing up!

Inviting Glasgow to it’s opening, the founders of the Third Eye Centre wrote of a gallery and programme prepared, “waiting for the one essential ingredient in the whole project – YOU”.  Echoing their sentiment, keep an eye on us and get in touch, whoever you are, with whatever you have to say and share, “It can only work if you are prepared to get involved”.