The Art School and Vic Bar to reopen

Glasgow School of Art’s union and The Vic Bar will reopen this month following the devastating fire at the Mackintosh building back in June

Article by Jamie Dunn | 05 Oct 2018

There hasn’t been much to cheer about for Glasgow School of Art’s students over the last few months. Not only did a devastating fire destroy the school’s iconic Mackintosh building, but the unstable burnt out structure has put the surrounding buildings out of bounds in case of a collapse. Well, GSA students have some good news on the horizon at last, as on Monday 22 October, The Art School union and its beloved Vic Bar will reopen its doors to students and the general public.

“The re-opening of The Art School, particularly to our student community, hopefully will feel like introducing an element of normality back into life at The Glasgow School of Art,” said Harry Gould, President of the Students’ Association.

It won’t just be GSA students who are jumping for joy at this news. The Art School is one of the city’s most important, welcoming and creative venues, and everyone in Glasgow who cares about its culture will be glad to see this vital space up and running again with its typically innovative programmes of club nights, events, exhibitions and performances. “We really want to be able to provide an lively, open and welcoming space for the local residents, businesses and surrounding communities, who have and still face challenges relating to the fire,” notes Gould.

Following the re-opening of The Vic, the first big night at the venue will be GarnetHELL, The Art School’s annual Halloween club night, curated by Sgàire Wood, Events Convenor of the Students’ Association. “We’re really excited to welcome everyone back to the scaffolding funhouse,” say the Art School.

In the coming days there will be a full announcement of the re-commencing monthly schedule of programming at The Art School, which will include a venue take over by label NUMBERS, a night programmed by new Glasgow collective VAJ Power and their FUSE events, as well as gigs from BEAK>, David August and Sunflower Bean.

The Skinny are chuffed to see The Art School back up and running, and wish it the very best.


GarnetHELL: The Art School Hallowe'en, 26 Oct, 11pm, £8/£7 www.theartschool.co.uk/events