Glasgow Sculpture Studios (GSS), is a unique centre for the research, production, presentation and dissemination of sculptural practices. GSS provides specialist facilities for all who wish to engage with and understand contemporary sculpture; from the vibrant community of over 120 professional Artist Members (who vary from emergent and recent graduates through to established artists, whose practice is recognised at the highest level and have represented Scotland at the Venice Biennale, received nomination for the Turner Prize or winning Becks Futures) to artists who take part in GSSÕs critically acclaimed International Residency & Exhibition programme (enriching the community of artists that it supports) and the public, who are provided with unique or rare opportunities to access contemporary sculpture in Scotland.

Currently, GSS houses two public galleries, interpretation and education areas for public engagement, and workshops for wood, metal, stone, ceramics, casting art fabrication. These areas are the heart of the building; where artists make new work, public courses take place, schools and community groups learn new skills and audiences enjoy world class contemporary sculpture. 40 individual artist studios circle these shared facilities.

GSS is committed to developing, facilitating and delivering a public programme of exhibitions, education activities and related events that provide understanding, an appreciation and critical contextualization of contemporary sculptural practice. In conjunction, artist support programmes provide curatorial support and professional advice to enable the creation of innovative and ambitious sculpture by professional, emergent and established, local, national, and international artists.

The GSS programme includes production and research residencies, curated exhibitions of new work, talks, symposia, off-site and artist-led projects and events. Current and future partnerships include Lowsalt, Skulpturenpark Berlin_Zentrum, SOMA Mexico City, Glasgow University and The Glasgow School of Art.

Production residencies are aimed at contemporary visual artists, who are working nationally and/or internationally for whom a change of scenery might offer fresh inspiration. Such a program offers artistÕs a dedicated studio and access to all Artists Facilities and Artists Support Programmes, with a view to realising a major project or body of work which GSS disseminates as part of its Public Programme in the gallery.

Research residencies support a writer, scholar, academic, curator or researcher working nationally and/or internationally, to support existing projects and the development of new ideas over a sustained period of time.

GSS presents approximately six projects each year.

Most outstanding projects in recent years:

Jimmie Durham, “Universal Miniature Golf (The Promised Land)”, 16 April–4 September 2010.

Siobhan Hapaska, “The Nose That Lost Its Dog”, 5 November 2009–30 January 2010.

Beagles & Ramsay, “GOOD TEETH”, 30 October 2008–30 January 2009.

Christine Borland, 25 November 2010–25 March 2011.

GSS wishes to create an empowering and inspiring environment that sustains and develops varied understandings of contemporary sculptural practice for a wide range of audiences. GSS evolves and develops a vital centre for all who wish to understand, participate in, embrace, and advance contemporary three- dimensional artistic practice.

A vigorous public events programme of talks, screenings and events compliments the exhibition programme. Interpretation materials also compliment every exhibition with a designated space devoted to a relevant reading collection and audio visual documents with contributions from artists, critics and writers.

This residency format is key to GSS’ commitment to enabling the dissemination of contemporary sculptural practices and creative exchanges between visiting resident practitioners and in-house artists as well as the public.

GSS aims to support the continuous professional practice of artist members through an ongoing critique of practice via a stimulating and wide-ranging programme of talks, workshops, symposia, residences, fellowships, mentoring schemes, exhibitions and other events/activities relating to contemporary sculptural practice.

Glasgow Sculpture Studios public education strand encompasses courses and workshops, public symposia and talks and discussions aimed at providing an insightful and in-depth understanding of contemporary sculpture.

A Professional Development programme for artist members is provided through an ongoing critique of practice via a stimulating and wide-ranging programme of talks, workshops, symposia, residences, fellowships, and mentoring schemes.

A programme of vocational courses offer a range of evening and weekend courses providing a broad and diverse introduction to contemporary sculptural practices. Delivered in a well equipped, custom built production facilities and led by experienced and supportive artists, these courses are designed for members of the public who want to learn the basics of sculpture-making and or artists wishing to develop new skills.

An education and outreach programme is designed to compliment each exhibition allowing local community and school groups the opportunity to work with practicing artists and engage with contemporary sculpture.

Partnerships with The Glasgow School of Art and The University of Glasgow.

Total internal floor area of 2,000 m2.

Studio Complexes, 740 m2; Production Facilities & Fabrication Spaces, 762 m2; Gallery Spaces, 175 m2, Project Spaces, 68 m2, Members Social Spaces, 132 m2; Offices, 25 m2.