Three of Inverness’s most renowned art venues are uniting to celebrate the rich tapestry of Gaelic culture through a multi-site exhibition titled “Buaile.”
The Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Eden Court Galleries, and Wasps’ Inverness Creative Academy have teamed up to showcase the works of 20 artists whose creations are deeply inspired by the Gaelic language, culture, and its connection to Scotland’s landscape.
Curated by Kirsten Body, Visual Arts Programme Curator at High Life Highland’s Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, “Buaile” is funded by Maoin nan Ealan Gàidhlig (Gaelic Arts Fund), ensuring a platform for emerging artists from across the Highlands and Islands.
The exhibition not only celebrates Gaelic culture but also engages younger generations through school workshops tied to the displays, fostering a deeper connection to this unique heritage.
From 25 January to 22 March, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery will feature the works of eight artists, including Richard Bracken, Rhona Dougall, Shaun Fraser, Mairi Gillies, Mhairi Killin, Calum MacKinnon Ferguson, Danielle MacLeod, and Raghnaid Sandilands.
Their work takes a rooted, place-based approach, exploring themes such as landscape, degrowth, and decolonial history through a Gaelic lens.
Meanwhile, Eden Court’s Chapel Gallery will showcase pieces by Glasgow-based artist Kayleigh Sarah McGuinness during Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week, 24 February – 2 March).
Alongside this, works by Eilidh MacKenzie, Angela NicIllebhraighe, Déirdre Ní Mhathùna, Ró Ó hEadhra, Eire Richards, and Fiona Stewart will also be on display from 25 January to 2 March.
Inverness Creative Academy will present pieces by Yasmin Davidson, Victoria Caine, David Hutchison, and Angela MacMillan over the same period, enriching the multi-site exhibition with diverse artistic interpretations.
Emily NicDhòmhnaill, Gaelic Projects Manager at Eden Court, expressed her excitement over the partnership, emphasising the importance of collaboration in bringing “Buaile” to life.
She highlighted how Gaelic language and culture remain integral to Eden Court’s ethos, and she praised the opportunity to provide a platform for artists with a Gaelic perspective to shine.
An evening of artist conversations and live music will take place on Thursday 27 February from 4.30–6.30pm at Inverness Creative Academy.
Chaired by artist Raghnaid Sandilands, the event will feature exhibiting artists and offer simultaneous translation provided by Fèisean nan Gàidheal, ensuring inclusivity for all attendees.
Catherine MacNeil, Property and Facilities Manager at Wasps, spoke of the opportunities the exhibition has brought for tenant artists and the potential for future collaborations.
This unique partnership among Inverness’s key cultural venues reflects a shared commitment to promoting Gaelic art, culture, and language through innovation and collaboration.
For further details on “Buaile,” contact Kirsten Body at kirsten.body@highlifehighland.com or call 07751 020458.
