Under the Rug is (re)Launching!
Why passion needs a permanent foundation: Inside Under the Rug’s transition to a CIC, the launch of our new print magazine, and our upcoming (re)Launch party at The Savings Bank.
When we first set out to build Under the Rug back in 2022, we wanted to create uncompromised, community-focused spaces for storytelling and performance that cut through the noise. But as anyone working in the arts knows, passion alone can only carry you so far without a sustainable foundation, which is why we took a year to refocus and restructure before moving forward.
Under the Rug is officially stepping into a new chapter. We are fondly saying goodbye to our humble beginnings as Under the Rug Theatre and moving forward as Under the Rug CIC – and we are celebrating this milestone with a massive (re)launch event at The Savings Bank on Friday, 19 September 2026.
Why the Shift?
Transitioning into a CIC isn't just an admin update – it’s a promise to our community. For too long, grassroots artists and independent cultural projects have been forced to navigate an arts sector weighed down by gatekeeping and commercial models that treat community storytelling as an afterthought. Under the Rug took it’s name from the age-old saying ‘brush it under the rug’, the place stories go to be forgotten and voices are pushed aside.
We wanted to keep pulling the rug back & creating a new model for Glasgow’s creatives and communities to thrive by building something stable. By establishing Under the Rug as a CIC, we are legally locking in our commitment to our community. Every project, every publication, and every platform we build is explicitly tethered to social benefit rather than private profit. In fact, we are completely non-profit. It’s about being better equipped to support Scotland's creative community with the structural backing it deserves – keeping new writing and opportunity at the core of everything we do and making our voices permanent.
Alongside this structural evolution, we are thrilled to unveil The Rug, our brand-new community and arts magazine. Designed to extend our ethos from the stage directly onto the page, The Rug will serve as an independent print home for radical local culture, critical conversations, and Glasgow’s most vital creative voices, whilst connecting Glasgow’s communities & creatives through storytelling.
What to Expect at the (Re)Launch Gala
We aren't just marking these milestones behind a desk; we’re throwing a proper party to celebrate the community that got us here.
Taking over The Savings Bank on 19 September, the evening is designed to showcase the sheer breadth, talent, and energy of the local scene that fuels everything we do.
Hosted by Mahri Reilly: Guiding us through the night with unmatched warmth and wit, the brilliant Mahri Reilly will keep the energy high from start to finish.
Live Musical Showcases: We are honoured to feature a stellar lineup of live talent, including performances from the award-winning vocalist Marianne McGregor (Scottish Jazz Awards Best Vocalist 2021 & 2023), accompanied by superb jazz guitarist Sam Parkinson, alongside the inimitable Shego Sinner (The Mug of Glasgow).
Exclusive Previews & Good times: Between acts, attendees will get an exclusive first look at our upcoming project programme, a chance to capture memories at our custom photobooth, and take part in our signature raffle and bingo.
Join Us!
Whether you’ve been with us since day one or are just discovering Glasgow’s independent arts scene, this night is about celebrating what we can build when we back each other.
Tickets are limited and start from £9.50 which includes access to the event & a free copy of thre Rug, or, £12.50 which includes:
access to the gala
a drink token for the bar
a physical copy of The Rug magazine
and an exclusive Under the Rug goody bag!
Come celebrate our next chapter with us. Grab your ticket over on Humanitix and let's kick off this new era together: events.humanitix.com/relaunch/tickets
