Nairn Book & Arts Festival announces programme cover artist for 2025 edition
The next step in the journey towards the return of one of the Highlands’ most popular literary festivals has seen the artist behind the design of this year’s programme revealed.
Georgina Coburn, who works in collage and mixed media, has created the artwork for the 2025 Nairn Book and Arts Festival programme cover, becoming the ninth Highland artist to be chosen for the commission.
The annual festival, which will run from August 30 to September 7, will unveil the programme itself on June 20.
Her striking new piece, titled Spirit of Nairn, is currently under wraps, to be revealed at a special evening launch event at the Newton Hotel in Nairn the night before.
The work, organisers say, channels the essence of this year’s coastal and maritime theme for the festival, and celebrates the arts and nature.
Ms Coburn said: “I was delighted to be asked to create this year’s poster for the festival because it has been the source of so much joy and discovery over the years.
“From poetry readings and author talks, to silent films with live music, art exhibitions, tours and creative workshops, I have enjoyed the atmosphere and energy of the festival as a community event.
“There is something about coming together as part of an audience that is so special and needed in the world right now. The arts are a refuge, a place for expression, connection and a celebration of everything that makes us human.
“This year’s coastal/maritime theme is equally special. For me, like many people, the sea is a place of solace, reflection and inspiration. It is a place between worlds where the horizon can still be seen. With that joyful spirit of discovery in mind, I was keen to craft a figure rising out of the great unconscious depths of the sea. Like a lighthouse beacon, she is the Spirit of Nairn, celebrating all the arts, the strength we find in nature and each other.”
Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Ms Coburn lived in Canada, the UK and Ireland before settling permanently in the Highlands in 2000.
She has exhibited in group shows in the region as well as in Edinburgh and London, and her illustrations have featured in publications including feminist surrealist journal The Debutante, Stravaig, the Geopoetics Society of Scotland Journal and Guardian of the Gateway: 800 Years of the Beauly Wych Elm published by Circus Artspace.
This year her collage mixed media work Highland Clearance was selected for the Scottish Landscape Awards exhibition.
She is a recipient of the Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA) Natural Eye Bursary (2021-22) and a Visual Artist and Craft Makers Award (VACMA) from High Life Highland and Creative Scotland.
During the festival, the Spirit of Nairn artwork will be on display at the Nairn Community and Arts Centre.
