Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Contemporary Art Exhibitions in Glasgow
Founded in 1969, Compass Gallery stands as one of Scotland's longest-established contemporary art galleries. Our mission focuses on nurturing both emerging graduates and established artists through a dynamic annual programme of exhibitions. We pioneered initiatives such as the New Generation Show, which has provided crucial early-career opportunities for Scottish art graduates since our inception. Our gallery team actively scouts talent across Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, maintaining this tradition without interruption for over five decades.We have played a foundational role in shaping Scotland's vibrant gallery scene, introducing now-widespread practices like instalment payment plans and thematic Christmas exhibitions. Our welcoming environment allows knowledgeable staff to engage visitors with expert insights. We curate a high-quality, imaginative exhibition schedule that refreshes monthly, ensuring diverse artistic experiences for our audience.
Services
Contemporary Exhibitions
Artist Development
New Generation Show
Art Education
Charity Programmes
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We have supported Scottish artists continuously since 1969
- Our New Generation Show launches emerging artists' careers annually
- We maintain Scotland-wide connections with art schools and communities
- Our knowledgeable team provides expert art guidance
- We operate as a non-profit charity dedicated to artistic development
Associations and certifications
- Not for profit registered charity: SC007119
What people say
Dynamic exhibitions
Supportive of new artists
Cultural institution
Expert staff
Historic significance
Services
Contemporary Exhibitions
We curate monthly contemporary art exhibitions featuring both emerging graduates and established artists. Our programme includes solo shows, themed group exhibitions, and special projects that showcase diverse artistic practices. These exhibitions provide valuable exposure for artists while offering the public access to cutting-edge contemporary art.
New Generation Show
Our annual New Generation Show supports recent art school graduates through their first professional gallery experience. This initiative has launched numerous successful Scottish artists' careers since 1969 by connecting emerging talent with established art networks and collector audiences through curated exhibition opportunities.
Artist Development
We provide career development opportunities for Scottish artists through exhibition participation, professional guidance, and networking connections. Our programmes help artists transition from academic environments to professional practice, offering ongoing support throughout their artistic careers through curated showcase opportunities.
Cultural Outreach
Our outreach initiatives connect with art communities across Scotland through gallery visits, artist scouting missions, and educational programmes. We maintain strong relationships with Scottish art schools and cultural institutions to identify and nurture artistic talent at all career stages.
Charitable Programmes
As a registered charity, we focus on artistic development rather than commercial interests. Our programmes prioritise creative expression through exhibitions, artist support initiatives, and public engagement activities that benefit both artists and art enthusiasts across Scotland.
Questions
What type of art does Compass Gallery exhibit?
We showcase contemporary visual art from Scottish artists, including paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures across solo and group exhibitions.
How can emerging artists get featured at Compass Gallery?
Our annual New Generation Show specifically highlights recent art graduates, with gallery staff scouting talent directly from Scottish art schools.
Is Compass Gallery part of any art organisations?
We operate as an independent non-profit charity (SC007119) dedicated to supporting Scottish contemporary art and artists.
What makes Compass Gallery unique?
As Scotland's longest-established contemporary art gallery, we've pioneered initiatives like instalment payment plans and graduate showcase programmes since 1969.
Can visitors purchase artwork?
Yes, we facilitate art sales while maintaining our non-profit focus on artistic development and exhibition opportunities.
Videos
