Emerging artists shine at New Highland Graduates 2026 opening night
New Highland Graduates 2026 launched at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery (IMAG) on Friday 13 February, celebrating 10 emerging artists and designers from across the Highlands and Islands, and Moray.
Kirsten Body, Visual Arts Curator at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, said:
“At Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, inclusivity means creating space for many voices, lived experiences and ways of seeing the world. New Highland Graduates celebrates artists who reflect the richness and diversity of our communities, and we are committed to ensuring everyone can see themselves represented, valued and welcomed here.”
Shaun Fraser, selector, artist and past New Highland Graduates recipient (2013), added:
“As a previous recipient, I know how significant opportunities like this can be at an early stage in a career. Seeing this year’s artists step into the spotlight on opening night was genuinely inspiring. There’s a real sense of creative momentum across the Highlands and Islands.”
The exhibition forms part of High Life Highland’s ongoing commitment to supporting artists and craft makers in the region, providing professional exposure, networking opportunities and meaningful public engagement for those entering the arts sector.
➕ New Highland Graduates 2026 runs until Saturday 4 April 2026 at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Featured artists:
Caitlin Allison graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2023 and is based in Sutherland. Follow Caitlin on Instagram: @caitlin_allison_art
Codie Anne graduated from UHI Inverness in 2025 and is based in Forres. Follow Codie Anne on Instagram: @codieanneartist
Seasaidh Cat graduated from UHI Moray in 2025 and is based in Inverness-shire. They are now undertaking our MA Art and Social Practice.
Mark Faulkner graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 2022 and is based in Lochaber. Mark was also The Arts Society Highland Prize Winner 2026.
Katy MacLachlan studied MSc Advanced Nurse Practitioner with UHI and more recently completed NPA Drawing in 2025 at UHI North, West and Hebrides' Fort William campus. Follow Katy on Instagram: @whatkatydraws
Erin Matheson graduated from Moray School of Art at UHI Moray in 2023 and is based in Inverness-shire. Follow Erin on Instagram: @erinmathesonart
Jan McCormack graduated from Moray School of Art at UHI Moray in 2025 and is based in Inverness. Follow Jan on Instagram: @jan_mccormackartist
Natalie Rattray graduated from UHI Inverness in 2025 and is based in Inverness-shire. Follow Natalie on Instagram: @natalieartspace
Donald Ellis Ross graduated from Moray School of Art at UHI Moray in 2025 and is based in Speyside. Follow Donald on Instagram: @donaldross
Alexandra Smart graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 2025 and is based in Lochaber. Follow Alexandra on Instagram: @alexsmart.art
For more information about the exhibition, please contact Kirsten Body via email: kirsten.body@highlifehighland.com or call: 07751 020458