The ArtDepartment

The Art Department occupies a former Argos unit at Paisley Cross, opposite the town hall, and runs as an art gallery, exhibition space and event venue with artists' studios and creative-learning workshops. It is a not-for-profit company and Scottish charity, operated jointly by Outspoken Arts Scotland and PACE Theatre Company, so its programme leans toward participation as much as display: rotating exhibitions sit alongside pottery and craft classes, studio residencies and community events. Street-level access from Causeyside Street makes it easy to drop into, and the ground-floor gallery is free to browse. The building is being refurbished in stages while the venue stays open, and the organisation has signalled a move to a larger home. For visitors it functions as a working arts centre rather than a static collection, with a changing calendar through the year.