Transmission Art Gallery, Glasgow

Transmission Gallery, tucked into a former industrial space in Glasgow’s Merchant City, is one of Scotland’s most influential artist-run galleries. Founded in 1983 by a group of graduates from the nearby Glasgow School of Art, it quickly became a hub for experimental practice, offering a platform for emerging voices that might not otherwise find space in more established institutions. Over the decades, Transmission has played a pivotal role in the city’s cultural life, fostering a sense of community among artists and contributing to Glasgow’s reputation as a centre of contemporary art.

Transmission stands out for its cooperative model, run by rotating committees of practicing artists who keep the programme fresh, adventurous, and attuned to contemporary trends. Visitors can expect to encounter installations, performances, and exhibitions that challenge conventions, spark debate, and often blur the lines between disciplines. Many artists who later gained international recognition first showed their work here, making the gallery a birthplace of innovation.

Beyond its exhibitions, Transmission has become a meeting ground for the city’s creative community. It hosts talks, screenings, workshops, and social gatherings that encourage dialogue between artists, curators, and the public. The gallery’s library, filled with books, journals, and zines, is open for visitors to browse, offering a quiet space to dive deeper into art and theory.

For travelers exploring Glasgow, Transmission Gallery provides an insight into the city’s dynamic contemporary art scene. It rewards curiosity with bold, often unconventional works, and reflects the collaborative spirit that has long fueled Glasgow’s reputation as a city of creativity and reinvention.