Helen Nisbet Appointed Director of Glasgow International

Curator Helen Nisbet has been named director of Glasgow International, Scotland’s contemporary art biennial. She will take on her new role this summer and will have charge of the event’s eleventh edition, to take place June 5–21, 2026. Nisbet succeeds Richard Birkett, who departed in February after helming the 2024 edition of the International.

The Shetland-born Nisbet was previously artistic director of the Art Night contemporary art festival in Dundee and the chief executive of Cromwell Place, London. Earlier roles include that of curator at Cubitt, an artist-run gallery space in London. As an independent curator, she worked on projects with artists including Richey Carey, Julie Cunningham & Company, Jasleen Kaur, Mark Leckey, Nabihah Iqbal, Lucy McKenzie, and Christine Sun Kim. Nisbet was a jury member for the 2023 Turner Prize.

“I’m so happy to be coming home to Scotland as director of Glasgow International,” said Nisbet in a statement. “I’m excited to work with, and learn from, the festival team and to be amongst the gorgeous light, energy, artists, communities (and even the rain) in Glasgow again.”

“We’d like to congratulate Helen Nisbet on her appointment and look forward to welcoming her back to Scotland,” said Emma Nicolson, head of visual arts for Creative Scotland, the public body supporting the country’s arts and culture, in a statement. “Glasgow International contributes significantly to the cultural offer of the city and is recognized locally and globally for its vibrant and distinctive program. Helen brings a wealth of experience to the festival, and we are excited to see how her curatorial vision and commitment to artists and audiences will influence and shape its future direction.”