The Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture stands in solidarity with our friends, partners and colleagues in Trongate 103. One of the most important outcomes of Glasgow’s crowning as the European City of Culture in 1990 has been its reinvention as a city which embraces its cultural heritage and supports its cultural future. It is well known in city planning strategies that cultural activity drives regeneration. Glasgow understood this and took considerable steps to expand and develop this strategy, establishing the city as a hub for innovation, art, design and culture after the demise of its heavy industry. These industries once also fuelled a magnificent explosion of forward thinking in art, architecture and design, the resulting Glasgow School of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his circle continues to be world-renowned. The spotlight has once again turned to Glasgow for its extraordinary position as a creative hub. The world looks at Glasgow as a leader in this field. But this reputation is easily destroyed and lost.
In the wake of the European City of Culture year, the city saw increased regeneration which enabled the development of Trongate 103 with the promise that the 25-year lease would stand. This agreement is now being reneged upon and new tenancy agreements issued with a four-fold rent increase. This is unaffordable by the grass roots venues which call Trongate 103 their home – organisations which not only provide a service to artists and the community but support a wider ecosystem of artists, collectors and agencies. Trongate 103 is a beacon for Glasgow on an international stage.
We stand with the tenants of Trongate 103 today as they peacefully demonstrate their right to fair treatment. Let Glasgow flourish.
In the wake of the European City of Culture year, the city saw increased regeneration which enabled the development of Trongate 103 with the promise that the 25-year lease would stand. This agreement is now being reneged upon and new tenancy agreements issued with a four-fold rent increase. This is unaffordable by the grass roots venues which call Trongate 103 their home – organisations which not only provide a service to artists and the community but support a wider ecosystem of artists, collectors and agencies. Trongate 103 is a beacon for Glasgow on an international stage.
We stand with the tenants of Trongate 103 today as they peacefully demonstrate their right to fair treatment. Let Glasgow flourish.
27 March 2026
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