Glasgow International Festival announces its 2026 programme celebrating contemporary art
Glasgow International – Scotland’s world-renowned biennial festival of contemporary art – has announced the programme for its 11th edition, which takes place from Friday 5 June to Sunday 21 June 2026.
The acclaimed event, which presents the best of local and international art for wide-ranging audiences, showcases Glasgow as a unique major centre for the production and display of contemporary visual art.
The festival consists of work commissioned and curated by Glasgow International, together with a series of projects selected through an open call developed by and with artists, artist-led spaces, and organisations in the city.
Taking place in various venues and locations across Glasgow, including the city’s major art spaces and cultural institutions, the 2026 festival features an ambitious programme which includes exhibitions, events, talks and performances by Glasgow-based and international artists.
The programme also spans public and community programming and research-based practice – varying from one-off performances to works lasting a number of weeks, with several exhibitions continuing throughout the summer in partner venues.
The 2026 festival reflects a wide range of artistic practices exploring artistic experimentation, personal and ancestral memory, inter-generational kinship, and resonances that cross cultures.
A new Glasgow International initiative, 'Special Projects', celebrates organisations that are deeply embedded in specific communities in Glasgow and the expertise, insight and care they bring to the city.
The inaugural 'Special Projects' are Fire Stories – a multimedia project at Platform in Easterhouse in the east end of Glasgow, and A Very Human Thing To Do – a collaborative arts and social action project organised with young people at Rumpus Room in Govanhill and Bowling Green Together in Pollokshields.
Glasgow International 2026 also sees the second iteration of 'Gatherings' – a series of talks, workshops, discussions, performances and other events that will delve deeper into themes that recur across the festival's projects.
More highlights of the Glasgow International 2026 programme, and details of participating artists and venues, are available at: https://glasgowinternational.org/programme/
Glasgow International 2026 is delivered with the support of Creative Scotland, the Scottish Government’s Festival Expo Fund, Glasgow Life, Glasgow City Council, and EventScotland. Additional support has been provided by Glasgow 2026 Festival, The British Council, Henry Moore Foundation, Art Fund, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Assumption Studios, Wasps – as well as individual donors whose contributions make the festival programme possible.
Helen Nisbet, Director of Glasgow International, said: “It is a privilege to lead Glasgow International, one of the most inspiring and critically important art events in the world, into its 11th edition. Cultivated with artists, curators, organisations and community groups across the city, the festival creates a platform where diverse voices and perspectives come together. Learning from artists and from each other, we are connecting histories, communities and ideas for the future – both locally and across borders.”
Emma Nicolson, Head of Visual Arts at Creative Scotland said: “Glasgow International continues to demonstrate the extraordinary depth and ambition of Scotland’s contemporary art community. As Helen Nisbet begins her tenure as Director, this edition marks an important moment of transition, balancing continuity with renewed energy.
“Over 18 days in June, Glasgow International will bring together artists at the forefront of contemporary visual art and storytelling, from Glasgow’s homegrown creative community and from across the globe, to share bold new work. The introduction of 'Special Projects' is a significant step in recognising community-rooted practice and widening who shapes and experiences contemporary art. We’re proud to support a festival that strengthens Glasgow’s international connections while celebrating the cultural vibrancy of the city.”
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life and Glasgow City Council Convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations, said: “Glasgow’s international reputation as a city that nurtures contemporary artists has been widely acknowledged and grown through nominations for the Turner Prize for more than a generation. The city’s Cultural Strategy 2024-2030 aims to ensure universal access to, and participation in, the city's cultural life, and festivals such as Glasgow International support this ambition through innovative programming using spaces around the city, and through its core aims.
“There is always a keen sense of anticipation in the build-up to Glasgow International that is only heightened when we get to know some of the artists taking part in the next edition. I’m already looking forward to spending hours enjoying contemporary art exhibitions in the company of thousands of others who will head to Glasgow for what will be another world-class showcase.”
Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2026, said: “We are thrilled to support Jasmine Togo-Brisby to present her first European solo presentation this summer in Glasgow, showcased at the Gallery of Modern Art. Her work is an important platform for audiences from across Scotland and the Commonwealth to engage in conversations that deepen our understanding of historical injustice.
“This commission unites the global platform of Glasgow International 2026 with the wider Glasgow 2026 Festival, strengthening a programme that shines a light on bold, artistic work. The project has benefitted from funding from Commonwealth Sport, and we’re excited that Jasmine’s work will remain in situ at Gallery of Modern Art throughout the duration of the Games and Glasgow 2026 Festival."
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “Glasgow’s reputation as an artistic and cultural hub is what makes it a must-visit destination for so many of Scotland’s visitors. Glasgow International is a unique festival that strengthens the arts community in the city while providing a platform for its creative talents. Supporting events like this not only helps Scotland engage with the international arts community and drive the local visitor economy but also reinforces the country’s reputation as a world-leading tourism and events destination.”
Norah Campbell, Head of Arts, British Council Scotland, said: "Glasgow International is a wonderful example of how artistic exchange can spark shared understanding. We're delighted to be bringing international delegates to the festival, opening up new audiences for Glasgow's artists while building lasting creative connections between the city and the world."
Full details of Glasgow International 2026 events, taking place at a wide range of Glasgow venues from Friday 5 June - Sunday 21 June 2026, are available at: www.glasgowinternational.org