New exhibition debuts this week at Wasps' Inverness Creative Academy

Created as part of Circus Artspace's Graduate Associates programme, five recent graduates from Scottish art schools will have their work on display.

The work will be at Wasps' Inverness Creative Academy from March 15-19.

The exhibition, A Matter of Perspective, explores liminality from multiple viewpoints such as greenwashing and fuel poverty in Orkney, and looking at the past and present.

The work exhibited by artists Polly Atkinson, Liz Crichton, Deborah Ilett, Jack Kay and Kelly Marwick includes drawing, painting, sculpture and textiles.

Circus Artspace’s Graduate Associates is a development programme for emergent visual artists in the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire. This programme is delivered in partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands and supported by XpoNorth, Creative Scotland and the Hope Scott Trust.

Over the last 10 months, Circus Artspace have supported 30 arts graduates with workshops, online training and summer school to develop their confidence and skills.

Rachel Fermi, programme leader (joint) of the BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Practices at the University of the Highlands and Islands, said: "We are excited to see this exhibition programme come together after close collaboration with Circus Artspace.

"It showcases the next generation of talented artists in the region, bridging the gap between recent graduates' educational experiences and a freelance career in the sector. This forward thinking is exactly what is needed to help graduates build their profile, confidence, and practice.

"We also hope it helps encourage these talented arts graduates that it is possible to create a sustainable arts practice while living in rural and semi-rural areas like the Highlands and Islands."

Alex Smith, XpoNorth project manager added: "Transitioning from academia into a professional practice can be a complex and challenging process and we're delighted to support the innovative work of Circus Artspace in delivering impactful opportunities for new artists to more successfully navigating this path.

"Designing meaningful platforms to showcase the diversity and quality of the work being produced by participants on the Graduate Associates programme is incredibly important, and we're looking forward to continuing to support the project as it develops."

The exhibition is based in the Gym Hall and will be on show everyday from midday-4pm and opens with an event tomorrow from 6pm-8pm.

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