Aberdeen Arts Centre Recognised for Creative Access and Community Support
Access, care and inclusion underpin this 2025 Celebrate Aberdeen Awards nominee’s work.
Over the past year, dozens of local groups have taken to the stage at Aberdeen Arts Centre. Now the charity behind the venue has been shortlisted in the Community Impact category of the 2025 Celebrate Aberdeen Awards. Around 35 groups used the space in the last year alone – from disability-inclusive drama clubs to grassroots organisations helping people access theatre for the first time.
Interim director Sharon Catchpole said: “It is incredibly important to us to make the arts accessible to everyone that wants to engage with them either on stage, behind the scenes or in the audience. By removing barriers and providing a professional yet welcoming space, we can help strengthen connections, foster local talent, and support the wellbeing of everyone in our community.”
Would you like to see your message here? Let's talk.
POST highlights Aberdeen’s creative scene, from theatre and music to visual arts. We focus on showcasing the city’s unique talent and supporting local voices.
Through stories, artist profiles, and event coverage, we’re here to share what makes Aberdeen vibrant. Sign up for free or support us and go ad-free for just £3 a month.
Community benefits
Sharon went on to credit volunteers and staff for making that possible. “Many of [our performers] face significant barriers to cultural participation, whether financial, geographical, or accessibility-related,” she said. “Survey data from groups who use Aberdeen Arts Centre shows that 100% of respondents said the venue removed at least one of these barriers for their group, and 80% reported an increase in membership due to performing here.”
Castlegate Arts Ltd, the charity behind the venue, runs creative learning programmes for all ages and backs local artists through development schemes and tailored support. Much of the work focuses on inclusion and confidence-building, especially for groups who feel out of place in more traditional venues.
A huge boost at a difficult time
This nomination also comes at a time when Aberdeen Arts Centre’s future is under threat. The Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaign, launched earlier this year, calls for long-term support to secure the building as a public cultural asset. Well-known names from across the arts and culture sector have backed the campaign, adding their voices to calls for long-term support and recognition of the venue’s role in the city’s cultural life.
The Celebrate Aberdeen Awards take place on 1 November, but for the team behind Aberdeen Arts Centre, the real work happens every week – often behind the scenes. For over 60 years, the venue has helped local talent find its feet, one show at a time.
