‘Radical’ centre for curatorial research could close in Dundee University restructure

The University of Dundee is purportedly planning to close the Cooper Gallery by July 2027 as part of a long-running cost-cutting exercise to stave off full financial collapse.

The university announced a potential deficit of £30m last autumn and opened two programmes of voluntary redundancies, which led to 675 posts being cut.

But it still needs to save £20m a year, the majority of which will be found through a further 190 job cuts. Museums Journal understands that the Cooper Gallery will be closed as part of this restructure, along with the university’s Botanic Gardens and adjacent cafe.

The gallery, which was designed in 1953 by architect James Wallace as an exhibition and events space, sits within the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design.

A petition set up to save the gallery describes it as “a beacon of radical curatorial research and international art discourse”.

“Cooper Gallery is not just a mere space; it is an internationally recognised platform synonymous with groundbreaking exhibitions and fostering critical dialogue within the art community,” the petition states.

“The impact of its closure would be profound, stripping the community of its cultural heart and removing a crucial voice in international art.” 

“We understand that budgets need to be managed, yet it is crucial to explore alternative measures to meet financial goals without sacrificing cultural heritage.”

Meanwhile, an open letter signed by curators, artists and researchers has called for immediate action to secure the future of the gallery.

“At a time when graduates, artists, and cultural workers are facing rising costs, reduced funding, and increasing precarity, allowing an organisation of Cooper Gallery's significance to be closed sends a devastating message about the value placed on arts and culture in the University and in Scotland at large,” the letter states.

“Under the leadership of Sophia Y Hao, the gallery is rare in its director being a woman of colour, and it has consistently championed underrepresented artists, radical artistic practices, and voices that are too often excluded from mainstream cultural institutions.

“Its programming demonstrates the vital role that contemporary art can play in fostering inclusion, challenging injustice, and creating space for alternative futures.

“Saving Cooper Gallery is not simply about preserving a venue. It is about safeguarding opportunities for students and artists, protecting jobs and expertise, sustaining communities of practice, supporting cultural diversity, and upholding Scotland's reputation as a nation that values creativity, critical thinking, experimentation, and cultural leadership.”

An investigation into financial oversight and decision making at the University of Dundee published in June 2025, which pinned its “financial collapse” on poor financial judgement and inadequate management and reporting, led to the resignations of its interim principal Shane O'Neill and senior members of its governing body.

The Scottish Government provided the university with £62m of emergency funding last year – a cash injection that, according to the Unite union, was expected to limit job losses to about 300 through voluntary redundancy.  

“The situation at Dundee University continues to shock,” Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said.

“This crisis is one of financial mismanagement by those at the top. Yet, once again, it is workers way down the chain who are facing unemployment, stress and fear. We will support our members every step of the way in defence of their jobs.” 

A spokesperson for the university told Museums Journal: “There is a proposal to cease operating the Cooper Gallery from July 2027, on the current model, as part of widespread change across the university as we look to make the necessary savings to achieve a position of long-term sustainability.

“These are proposals at this stage, subject to a collective consultation process that is now underway. Alternative funding pathways and ways of working will be considered during this consultation.”

Alongside the Cooper Gallery, the university runs four museums and galleries (Lamb Gallery, D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum, Tayside Medical History Museum and Tower Foyer Gallery) and cares for collections amounting to around 8,000 artworks and artefacts.

The museums are not part of the university's closure proposals, the spokesman confirmed.

The Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design Collection, which is managed by University of Dundee Museums, was recently awarded national significance status by Museums Galleries Scotland.