The annual art exhibitions for the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival in Highland are celebrations of the value of arts in mental health recovery and in wellbeing. From self-expression to therapeutic processes, the work often moves, perturbs, motivates and delights our audiences.

Participating in arts-based activities provides people with opportunities to express themselves, connect with others, and explore difficult experiences in a safe and supportive environment. SMHAF Highland offer a programme of inclusive arts and community events that encourage creativity, connection, and conversations about mental health. 

For 2026, the national theme for the festival is "Reflections" and we are anticipating lots of interesting artworks from around Highland for the exhibitions on Skye, in Inverness and Caithness. Stay tuned for how to submit your artworks!

For 2026/28, the festival will also include the new Highlands Dream Bank project in collaboration with UHI Inverness and the Highlands Psychoanalytic Collective which will entail the collection and analysis of dreams from people around the Highlands, as well as artwork creation and exhibitions.

This year SMHAF Highland starts with an exhibition by Rag Tag n Textile on Skye in August. Items from this exhibition will go on to be included in the main exhibitions in Inverness in October at Eden Court Theatre and The Bike Shed. Many of the artworks from Inverness will then continue on to our Caithness exhibition at Thurso Art Gallery in November and December.

Tuesday 4th - Friday 7th August 2026
10am - 5pm at Blank Canvas next to Love from Skye, Broadford
Annual art exhibition for SMHAF by Ragtag