About The Common Guild
The Common Guild is a visual arts organisation based in Glasgow, with a varied public programme of exhibitions, projects and events, based in a former school building on the south bank of the River Clyde. We are committed to presenting artists’ work in interesting and engaging ways and aim to create world-class contemporary art experiences and discussions.
With a focus on accessibility, equality, and supporting artists, we are a registered charity, supported by Creative Scotland and through a range of grants and donations.
Our Programme
We work closely with artists to release ambitious projects, creating engaging experiences and unique events. Diverse voices and perspectives feature across the programme, which includes exhibitions as well as occasional performances, projects and events in other locations.
Our programme has included the commissioning of major projects by leading artists, often taking place in distinctive, specially selected locations. These have included Sharon Hayes’ ‘Ricerche’ project, with 3 works shown together for the first time, in a Victorian school building (2021); ‘In the open’ as series of 12 audio works produced during 2020-21; Janice Kerbel’s ‘SINK’ – a synchronised swimming routine for 24 women, at the Western Baths Club, Glasgow in 2018; a play by Simon Starling in collaboration with theatre director Graham Eatough, ‘At Twilight’, performed in the grounds of Holmwood House, Glasgow (2016) and Phil Collins’s feature-length film work ‘Tomorrow is Always Too Long’ presented in a one-off, outdoor art event in Queen’s Park in July 2014. In 2013 The Common Guild curated Scotland + Venice, the exhibition for the 55th International Art Exhibition, the Venice Biennale, with artists Corin Sworn, Duncan Campbell and Hayley Tompkins.
Alongside our programme of projects and events, between 2008 and 2018 our exhibition programme at 21 Woodlands Terrace, a grand Victorian townhouse overlooking Kelvingrove Park, included solo shows by some of the leading artists of our time, including Roni Horn, Tacita Dean, Wolfgang Tillmans, Carol Bove, Roman Ondák and Akram Zaatari. Publications connected with some of these exhibitions are available from our online shop, as are free-to-download Commentaries on all of the exhibitions.
From 2008 until 2013, The Common Guild also worked in partnership with Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) on the ‘Art Fund International’ scheme, building a new collection of international contemporary work for the city, which included works by Emily Jacir, Roni Horn, Lothar Baumgarten, Fiona Tan, Peter Hujar, Omar Fast and Barabra Kruger, among others, many of which are regularly on display at GoMA.
Visit
The Common Guild is now based at 5 Florence Street, a former school building that is being developed into a space for studios and creative businesses by Assumption Studios. Situated on the south bank of the River Clyde, the former Adelphi Terrace Public School was opened originally in 1894.
Based on the ground floor, The Common Guild's extensive Library of over 1,000 publications, including our latest Room for Reading selections, is open during exhibitions and events.
Further details and opening hours can be found here.
Access
5 Florence Street has step-free access from the street and an internal lift.
We are committed to using fully accessible venues wherever possible and develop bespoke solutions for each project or event. This includes, for example, the provision of subtitles, captions or transcripts to accompany film or video works and large print guides. Our talks are audio recorded and made available online on our website and Soundcloud where appropriate.
For any questions about access, please contact: info@thecommonguild.org.uk in advance of a visit.
Ticketing
We aim to keep access to exhibitions free and ticket prices to a minimum, with any proceeds helping to support programme costs. Booking is generally free, with those who are able to pay encouraged to make a donation at the point of booking. Booking in advance is important as it helps us plan for our visitors, which is especially important when there is limited seating.
Policy and working practices
At The Common Guild, we are committed to improving how we work continually, and to transparency in our working practices. Please have a look at some of our policies and reports below.
-
Statement 9 December 2024
Statement made by The Common Guild Board on Monday 9 December 2024.
-
Annual Diversity Report 2023
As part of our on-going commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the development of an anti-racist action plan in 2020, we have committed to publishing an Annual Diversity Report. This comprises our board, staff and all those involved in our programme.
Our fourth annual report, available here, includes data from 2020-21, and 2021-22 for reference, alongside the most recent year’s figures.
-
Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity, recognising and valuing diversity and being an inclusive organisation. We aim to ensure that all employees, potential employees, artists, speakers, and visitors to the artistic programme are treated equitably and as individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or parental status, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation.
-
Anti-racism Statement / October 2020
Since our initial statement on anti-racism in July, we have been working on the development of a dedicated and sustainable action plan as an integral part of our existing commitment to promoting equality of opportunity, recognising and valuing diversity and being an inclusive organisation.
-
Environmental Policy
The Common Guild is committed to environmentally-responsible working across all of our operations. We aim to minimise the environmental impact of our work, to promote green awareness and initiatives, and to hold environmental responsibility at the heart of the organisation.
-
Complaints Procedure
Advice for members of the public on how to make a complaint about anything they have encountered through our work.
-
Privacy Policy
This privacy notice explains how and why we collect, manage, protect and use personal data.
Staff
Katrina Brown, Director
Elke Finkenauer, Finance Manager
Jonny Lyons, Gallery Manager
Myriam Mouflih, Programme Assistant
Chloe Reith, Curator
Board
Lucy Askew
Kate Bennett
Jack Breckenridge
Graham Fagen
Gerry Grams
Laura McLean
Credentials
The Common Guild is an
accredited Living Wage employer
We are a member of
Creative Carbon Scotland's
Green Arts Initiative
and a member of the
Gallery Climate Coalition.