Collage and mixed media artist Georgina Coburn has been selected to create the artwork for the 2025 Nairn Book and Arts Festival programme cover.

Her striking new piece, titled Spirit of Nairn, will be unveiled at a special evening launch event at the Newton Hotel in Nairn on Thursday 19 June, ahead of the full festival programme reveal on Friday 20 June. Georgina is the ninth Highland artist to be chosen to create artwork for the festival. 

Spirit of Nairn beautifully channels the essence of the 2025 festival theme of coastlines and maritime life, and celebrates the arts and nature.

Georgina says: “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, Georgina lived in Canada, the UK and Ireland before settling permanently in the Scottish Highlands in 2000. Georgina has exhibited in group shows in the Highlands, 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.

In 2025 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 (2025).

During the festival (30 August - 7 September), the Spirit of Nairn artwork will be on display at Nairn Community and Arts Centre.

We can’t wait to show you what Georgina has created. Keep an eye on our website and social media for the big reveal in June!

For more information about Georgina and her work, visit https://www.georginacoburnart.co.uk/