A Gathering to Save Aberdeen’s Cultural Heart
The campaign to Save Aberdeen Arts Centre steps up a gear with a real sense of determination.
On Tuesday night (27 Feb), the upstairs theatre at Aberdeen Arts Centre was filled with an electric buzz of anticipation, the hum of voices blending with the rustle of programmes. The room was alive with people ready to get to work. The first public update on the Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign served as a poignant reminder of how much this building has meant, and continues to mean, to the city.
Eoin Smith, Marketing and Communications Manager, opened with a nod to history. He reflected on Annie Inglis, a formidable figure who, in 1998, led a campaign to save the Centre from closure while recovering from an asthma attack. Annie’s story—gathering 14,500 signatures from her hospital bed, tying them with a red ribbon, and handing them to the council—resonates as strongly now as it did then. It’s a tale that speaks of resilience, community, and the belief that culture matters. We’ll need to tap into that spirit again.
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As Eoin reminded everyone, “For over 60 years, Aberdeen Arts Centre has been a lifeline, a place for creativity, confidence, and connection.” His voice wavered slightly when he warned, “If we don’t act now, we don’t just lose a building. We lose futures, we lose voices, and we lose hope.”
That urgency hung in the air. Sharon Robertson, Chair of the Board of Trustees, captured it with determination. She spoke of the Centre’s role not just as a performance space but as a hub for community, creativity, and confidence. “Your Arts Centre is a vital organ in the heart of the city,” she said, underlining the sense of shared responsibility. Sharon acknowledged the financial challenges ahead, with £180,000 needed by July as part of a larger £660,000 target, but insisted that with collective effort, it was achievable.
A stage, a voice, and a sense of belonging
Sheena Blackhall’s specially-written poem, read aloud in her absence, cut through the formality with its unvarnished honesty. “If the stage goes dim, we’re all in the dark,” she wrote, painting a vivid picture of what’s at stake. It was a call to arms, but also a love letter to a space that has given generations of Aberdonians a stage, a voice, and a sense of belonging.
Sharon Catchpole, the Centre’s Interim Executive Director, shared an update that, while realistic, was laced with hope. £29,000 had already been raised in just two weeks. The speed and scale of support, from grassroots fundraisers to packed press events, demonstrated that the community’s affection for the Centre runs deep. “We truly believe it’s going to happen,” Sharon said. “We have faith.”
That faith was echoed by Eve Nicol, Programming and Creative Director, who outlined plans to expand the Centre’s reach, especially for underrepresented voices. She spoke about developing the Children’s Theatre into a space for original work and supporting local artists to create and showcase new ideas. “I’m really excited about the potential,” Eve said. “We want to reach out to folk who might think this space isn’t for them or who’ve been overlooked in the past.”
Voices from the floor
Some of the most moving moments came from the floor rather than the official speakers. Audience members stood to share stories that were raw, heartfelt, and unpolished. One man described how, as a frightened, closeted teenager, the Arts Centre had been his sanctuary. “This place made me feel safe and loved and accepted,” he said quietly. “The Arts Centre has saved people’s lives.”
Another audience member shared their story: ‘I found my voice here, not just as a performer, but as a person. This space gave me permission to take risks and learn from mistakes. It’s where I learned to believe in myself, not just for the stage, but in life too.’
Others had come with fundraising suggestions like staging a community-devised show or hosting creative events to support the Centre. Some mentioned forming partnerships or exploring new uses for the space. These suggestions showed not just creativity but a genuine desire to protect a space that has meant so much to so many, each followed by a wave of excited applause and cheers from the audience.
Julia Smith, the Community Fundraiser, was quick to pick up on these ideas. She outlined plans for fundraising events, from 24-hour musical theatre marathons to kilt walks and community performances. “Every contribution, big or small, helps keep the Centre’s spotlight shining,” she said, her voice steady with purpose.
It was clear that this meeting wasn’t about grand gestures or last-minute miracles. It was about people who believe in the Arts Centre’s role as a cultural anchor and a space for connection. It was about shared responsibility, practical steps, and, above all, hope.
Take ownership of the campaign
The night ended with a quiet call to action. Audience members were invited to take ownership of the campaign. The message was clear: this isn’t just about saving a building. It’s about keeping the heartbeat of Aberdeen’s cultural life beating.
The Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign is gaining momentum, but the road ahead is steep. With £29,000 already raised, there’s still a long way to go before the July deadline. Yet what was most striking about Tuesday night was the sense of community, of shared history, and of a city not ready to let the lights go out. As one speaker put it, “It’s more than a venue, it’s a second home, a cultural nurturing space.”
That’s something worth fighting for.
If you care about saving Aberdeen Arts Centre, consider donating, attending events, spreading the word, or volunteering. Every action helps keep this vital space alive for the community. Stay in touch with the campaign by subscribing to the Aberdeen Arts Centre newsletter.
