Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums Publishes It's Annual Review

Aberdeen Art Gallery and its sister venues, including the Maritime Museum and Provost Skene’s House, are not just cultural landmarks—they’re treasures that belong to the people of Aberdeen. As part of Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums (AAGM), these institutions have a mission to make art, history, and culture accessible to everyone, ensuring that these collections resonate with the city’s residents and visitors alike.

In their 2023-24 review, AAGM revealed a year of significant impact on Aberdeen’s cultural life, economy, and community wellbeing. With over 319,000 visitors across all venues, including 223,000 at the Art Gallery alone, it’s clear that these spaces are a vital part of the city’s identity. The gallery, which is free to enter, is a place where you can connect with world-class art, including recent acquisitions like works by Sir Grayson Perry, made possible through a combination of donations, grants, and community support.

The Art Gallery’s offerings extend beyond visual art. It’s a hub for learning and engagement, welcoming over 15,000 participants in public programs and events last year. From special exhibitions like the Louise Bourgeois showcase to interactive events like Soundplay, which provided accessible digital play for families, the gallery ensures there’s something for everyone. These events are designed to foster a sense of community and belonging, making the gallery a space where all Aberdonians can feel at home.

While the Annual Review is a look back at the year gone by, our sights are set firmly on an inspiring future and the value that the Archives, Gallery & Museums Service will continue bring to the people and place of Aberdeen.
Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council

Volunteers play a crucial role in enhancing the gallery’s work. Programs like Musical Memories, which supports people living with dementia, are just one example of how the gallery’s initiatives reach deep into the community, offering not just art, but connection and support.

As stewards of Aberdeen’s cultural heritage, AAGM’s work is a reminder that these collections and spaces are more than just buildings—they are reflections of the city’s past, present, and future, open to all who call Aberdeen home.

You can read the review in full for yourself at the Aberdeen City Council website.