Glasgow International

Glasgow International
Comprising 54 exhibitions and 82 events, performances and talks at over 50 spaces across the city and showcasing work by 160 artists; the theme of the 2020 Glasgow International festival is Attention: asking us to consider how, where and in whom our attention is placed at a time of seemingly constant distraction. Scotland’s biennial festival of contemporary art further highlights Glasgow as one of the world’s most important and exciting centres for visual art.
Some highlights from African perspectives:
The first UK exhibition of the “extreme maquettes”—intricate utopian townscape models—created by self-taught Congolese artist Bodys Isek Kingelez (b. Kimbembele-Ihunga, Belgian Congo, 1948; d. Kinshasa, DRC, 2015). New works by Martine Syms. A new film by Alberta Whittle, co-commissioned with Glasgow Sculpture Studios and supported by EventScotland in celebration of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020. And an opening night of performances, co-commissioned with the David Roberts Art Foundation (DRAF), including a performance from artists Paul Maheke.
About Glasgow International
Glasgow International is Scotland’s world-renowned biennial festival of contemporary art, and showcases the best of local and international art for wide-ranging audiences. The festival continues to showcase Glasgow as a unique major centre for the production and display of contemporary visual art. Taking place in various venues and locations across the city, including Glasgow’s major art spaces and cultural institutions, the Festival is comprised of an ambitious programme which included exhibitions, events, talks, performances and projects by international and Glasgow-based artists.
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Nigerian Modernism – Group Show
Oct 8, 2025–May 10, 2026

Roméo Mivekannin: Correspondances
Oct 2, 2025–Mar 21, 2026

The Writing’s on the Wall (TWTW)
Sep 13, 2025–Mar 14, 2026

Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens
Oct 10, 2025–Mar 8, 2026

ECHO DELAY REVERB: American Art and Francophone Thought – Group Show
Oct 22, 2025–Feb 15, 2026

Tesfaye Urgessa: Roots of Resilience
Sep 20, 2025–Feb 15, 2026