Paisley Art Institute

The Paisley Art Institute is a Scottish art organisation founded in 1876. As well as presenting annual exhibitions, the institute has built up a substantial collection of 450 works by Scottish and international artists.

Works from the collection were for many years on public view in Paisley Museum and Art Galleries, whose galleries were also the institute's annual exhibiting space.

The art historian Kenneth Clark, whose family wealth was derived from the town's Clark Thread Company, served as honorary vice president between 1965 and 1983.

Following the temporary closure of Paisley Museum and Art Galleries for redevelopment, the OneRen agency offered only a small space for permanent and temporary exhibition in the refurbished building, which the Institute decided was unacceptable. Renfrewshire Council have also sought £10,000 per year from the institute to continue storing the Collection. As a result of the dispute, in 2024 the institute's exhibition was held in the premises of Glasgow Art Club.