The Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) Derry, located in the heart of the historic walled city, is a vibrant hub for contemporary art, fostering experimental and thought-provoking works by emerging artists, particularly those with connections to the region. Established in 1992 as the Context Gallery in The Playhouse, the CCA has grown into a key cultural institution, offering a dynamic programme of exhibitions, workshops, and public engagement.
Exhibitions:
- Focus on Emerging Artists: The CCA showcases ambitious, experimental art through solo and group exhibitions, often addressing themes like precarity, power dynamics, environmental issues, and Ireland’s plantation history. The biennial URGENCIES exhibition highlights emerging artists from the region, with past editions featuring innovative works in diverse media, including painting, sculpture, and site-specific installations.
- Interactive and Offsite Elements: Exhibitions often extend beyond the gallery, with artworks displayed in public spaces like shopping centres or libraries (e.g., bookmarks by Leah Corbett in URGENCIES 2025). This approach makes art accessible to a broader audience, integrating it into Derry’s urban fabric.
- Past Highlights: Previous exhibitions, such as URGENCIES 2021, featured artists like Martin Boyle and Bryony Dunne, addressing urgent social and cultural themes. The CCA’s history of commissioning new works ensures fresh, cutting-edge displays.
Public Programmes and Workshops:
- Educational Workshops: The CCA offers workshops for all ages, such as the “Longing – a Language” writing series led by Sophie Mak-Schram or “Drawing the Walls” by Sinéad Smyth, fostering creative engagement. These are often tied to exhibitions, encouraging participants to explore artistic practices like drawing or creative writing.
- School Programmes: The 2024/2025 School’s Programme includes workshops like one by Matthew Donn for URGENCIES 2025, designed for students to engage with contemporary art, augmenting the CCA’s role as an educational hub.
- Community Engagement: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CCA provided paid opportunities for local artists and delivered activity packs to schoolchildren in deprived areas, reflecting its commitment to community outreach. Similar initiatives continue to make art inclusive and accessible.
Artist Information Area (AIA):
- The CCA is developing an AIA, a resource hub with box files containing artist CVs, images, publications, and press releases. Visitors, especially researchers or art enthusiasts, can explore materials from Local artists and organizations, fostering a deeper understanding of the region’s art scene.
- Venue and Atmosphere: Housed at 10–12 Artillery Street, near Saint Columb’s Cathedral and the city walls, the CCA is easily accessible within Derry’s vibrant cultural quarter. Its modern, welcoming space contrasts with the historic surroundings, creating a dynamic atmosphere.
- The gallery offers step-free access, an accessible toilet, gender-neutral facilities, baby-changing stations, and large-print guides, ensuring inclusivity. A sensory map for URGENCIES 2025 caters to neurodiverse visitors. With a 96% recommendation rate on Tripadvisor, the CCA is praised for its “cutting-edge political art” and friendly staff. The compact gallery is ideal for a 1–2-hour visit, with free admission making it budget-friendly. Visitors describe it as a “hidden gem” that’s easy to miss but rewarding, especially for those interested in contemporary art and social issues.
Amenities:
- No On-Site Café or Shop: The CCA lacks a dedicated café or gift shop, but nearby Derry city centre offers numerous dining and shopping options, such as cafés on Shipquay Street or the Craft Village.
- Tourist Information: The CCA provides free resources like exhibition guides and a Visit Derry Pass, which offers discounts to nearby attractions like the Guildhall or Tower Museum, augmenting the visitor experience.
Surrounding Area:
- The CCA is steps from Derry’s city walls, Peace Bridge, and landmarks like the Guildhall, making it a recommended stop on a cultural tour. Visitors can combine their visit with the Derry Girls Experience at the Tower Museum or a walk to the Free Derry Corner, immersing themselves in the city’s history and contemporary vibrancy.
What’s New:
- The CCA Derry has announced several exciting developments, building on its reputation for innovative programming and community engagement.
- A Little Before Love – Reading and Writing Workshop: Saturday, September 13, 2025, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM An informal in-person reading and writing workshop led by an artist. This event encourages creative engagement through literature and writing. More details and booking information are available on the CCA Derry website (www.ccadld.org)
- Derry Halloween 2025 – Artist Collaboration with Vanessa Marsh: October 2025 (exact dates to be confirmed, typically around Halloween) For Derry Halloween 2025, CCA Derry collaborates with artist Vanessa Marsh to design and deliver a unique event. This is part of the city’s renowned Halloween festival, known for its spooky events and performances. Check the CCA website or www.visitderry.com for updates on specific dates and details.
- Technician and Driver Roster Recruitment: Ongoing, with next application slots in September 2025 (exact dates to be confirmed) CCA is expanding its roster of technicians and drivers to assist with exhibition installations. This is an opportunity for individuals passionate about contemporary art to get involved. Applicants can confirm their interest by emailing info@ccadld.org with relevant details, such as driving qualifications. There is no fixed deadline, but September 2025 slots are mentioned. More information is available on the CCA website.
- Artist Information Area Contributions: Ongoing, with contributions accepted throughout 2025 and beyond CCA is developing an Artist Information Area to support research on artists and initiatives in the North and North West. Artists, curators, and arts organizations are invited to submit materials (e.g., images, publications, CVs) for inclusion. This is an ongoing opportunity with no deadline, but contributions are encouraged in 2025. Contact info@ccadld.org or visit the CCA website for submission details.
- Seed Library: Running from October 9, 2024, to June 9, 2025, this project transforms the gallery into a “Seed Library,” encouraging visitors to engage with art through the lens of growth and sustainability. It reflects the CCA’s commitment to environmental themes and community interaction.
New Workshops:
- Drawing the Walls: Led by artist Sinéad Smyth, this drawing workshop for neurodiverse visitors complements URGENCIES 2025, fostering inclusive creative engagement.
- School’s Programme Workshop: Artist educator Matthew Donn leads a workshop tied to URGENCIES 2025, aimed at students to explore contemporary art practices.
- Staff and Volunteer Opportunities: The CCA is recruiting a part-time Gallery Administrator (0.4 FTE) and ad hoc volunteers, with applications open. New staff, like Marketing Coordinator Seán Ward, joined in 2024, suggesting increased promotional efforts events. These roles aim to enhance visitor experiences through better governance and community engagement.
Practical Information
- Centre for Contemporary Art, 10–12 Artillery Street, Derry, BT48 6RG, .
- Cost: Free admission to exhibitions; workshops may have nominal fees (contact for details).
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM; closed Sunday–Monday. Confirm via www.ccadld.org, as hours may vary for special events.
- Contact: Call +44 (0) 2871 373538 or email info@ccadld.org for inquiries or workshop bookings.
- Tips: Plan a 1–2-hour visit to explore exhibitions and the AIA. Check www.ccadld.org for event schedules, especially for URGENCIES and Take Hold. Combine with a walk along Derry’s city walls or a visit to the Guildhall. Wear comfortable shoes for offsite installations. Book workshops in advance, particularly for school or neurodiverse programmes.
- Weather: Derry’s weather can be rainy; bring an umbrella for exploring nearby outdoor attractions.
The Centre for Contemporary Art Derry offers an immersive experience for art lovers, with experimental exhibitions, inclusive workshops, and a focus on emerging Local artists., visitors can engage with URGENCIES (2025), Take Hold, and the innovative Seed Library, alongside the new Artist Information Area and expanded community programmes. Its free entry, central location, and accessibility make it a recommended visit in Derry’s cultural scene. For the latest updates, visit www.ccadld.org
