Desperate campaign launched to save Aberdeen Arts Centre from closure by raising £660k

The historic theatre is appealing for help to raise vital funds to keep the curtains open.

By Sophie Farquharson

May 19 2025, 12:01 am

Dozens have now banded together to save their beloved venue. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Aberdeen Arts Centre has launched an urgent appeal to help raise £660,000 to keep the historic Aberdeen theatre alive.

The venue recently missed out on much-needed cash after the council rejected a funding plea needed to keep it afloat.

Now, the centre is calling on the support of art and theatre lovers to step in and save it from closure.

Director Sharon Catchpole at the campaign launch. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Over the weekend scores of supporters gathered at the historic building for a stunning show of people power – holding aloft a banner saying “Save Aberdeen Arts Centre”.

And bosses have already been backed by Succession star Brian Cox as they launch their make-or-break crusade.

What is the ‘Save Aberdeen Arts Centre’ campaign about?

Aberdeen Arts Centre has set out its plans to raise £660,000 over the next three years.

The money will help to cover running costs as bosses devise new ways to make enough money to keep the theatre open.

And the organisation has set itself an ambitious initial target – aiming to raise £180,000 by the start of next month.

Dozens of current and former users, staff and volunteers of the centre turned up to show their support for the campaign to save the venue. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Some famous faces backing Aberdeen Arts Centre…

A host of famous figures are already backing the campaign.

This includes Scottish acting legend Brian Cox, who honed his craft on stage before starring in global smash-hit TV show Succession as Logan Roy.

He has urged people to get behind the centre and help “keep the spotlights shining bright”.

“We must do everything we can to protect the opportunities provided by Aberdeen Arts Centre,” Brian added.

Brian Cox is urging people to back the campaign. Image: Kim Cessford/DC Thomson

Speaking to the BBC, Call the Midwife actress Laura Main, said the closure of the Aberdeen Arts Centre would be “tragic”.

Laura said: “When I first stepped foot in this place at the end of the 80s, that was the moment that made my life go in a certain direction.

“It’s about the community, it’s about coming together as a team and putting on shows.

“It’s just a really incredibly special place, that means an awful lot to a huge amount of people.”

Laura Main at the Aberdeen Arts Centre. Image: Kath Flannery/ DC Thomson

Other notable faces supporting the centre include stage star Amy Lennox, Hollywood director Jon S Baird, magician Barry Jones and virtuoso percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie.

The current management want to recreate a feat achieved more than 25 years ago…

Back in 1998, Annie Inglis helped to gather 14,500 signatures when the centre was at risk from closure.

Organisers gathered scores of supporters. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

Creative director Eve Nicol on her hopes for campaign

Eve Nicol took on the role of creative director at the Aberdeen Arts Centre earlier this year.

She says she has met many people “whose lives have been touched” by the venue.

“The outpouring of love and support we have had already has been deeply moving but now we must take action to secure the centre’s future,” Eve said.

Save Aberdeen Arts Centre campaigners — People have now banded together to save their beloved venue. Image: Kami Thomson/DC Thomson

What does Aberdeen Arts Centre mean to you? Let us know in our comments section below

“If the majority of our audience members from last year donated £11.25 each we’ll meet our initial July 1 deadline.

“Many of the companies that use the centre have casts of over 200 eager local performers… There are no other venues in Aberdeen that can accommodate groups of this size for an affordable price.”