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. 

Celebrating 20 years of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival this year's theme is 'Reflections'' which is already engaging lots of creative ideas and conversations thanks to the ongoing sessions with Green Tree Arts Studio, Arts in Nature, Rag Tag n Textile, Brora Learning Zone and Inverness Openarts.

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 started with an exhibition by Rag Tag n Textile on Skye from 4th - 7th 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.

Inverness & Caithness Exhibitions
We will be showcasing your artworks in Inverness (5th - 29th October) and Caithness (November/December), so please see the flyer below about submissions.

Artwork submission dates:

• Caithness drop off point – The Discovery College, Wick on Monday 21st September 1pm - 3pm and the 
  Community Room at Thurso Library on Tuesday 22nd September 1pm - 4pm.
• Inverness drop off point – The Bike Shed - Events Venue/Coffee House on Thursday 24th September 12 noon – 3.30pm

If you have any queries about submitting your artwork to the exhibitions, feel free to contact our SMHAF Highland project officer Donna Murray on donnamurray@smhafhighland.co.uk