Summerhall Arts announce CATALYST: Art as Activism, four new solo exhibitions for 2026
Summerhall Arts presents CATALYST: Art as Activism, a season of four solo exhibitions that position contemporary art as a sustained, embodied form of resistance.
Article Source: Summerhall
Last Updated: 9 January 2026 11:47
Bringing together artists whose practices actively challenge social, political, and environmental injustice. The programme foregrounds lived experience as a site of knowledge, agency, and change.
The exhibitions expose the systems of power that determine whose lives are valued, whose bodies are controlled, and whose environments are sacrificed. Rather than offering symbolic gestures, CATALYST asserts activism as an ongoing practice—one rooted in material histories of labour, violence, care, survival, and interdependence, through sculptural installations.
From ecological collapse and capitalist extraction, to migration, disability, futurity, and species-inclusive belonging, the season invites audiences to engage with art that does not simply represent injustice, but confronts it. Imagining more ethical futures shaped by collective responsibility and action.
Samantha Chapman, Head of Visual Arts at Summerhall Arts, said: “CATALYST brings together artists whose practices insist on art’s capacity to intervene in the world. These exhibitions do not offer easy resolutions; instead, they ask audiences to sit with complexity, to recognise their own entanglement within systems of power, and to imagine alternative ways of being that are grounded in care, accountability, and collective responsibility.”
EXHIBITIONS
Eilidh Appletree – Net Worthy
Sciennes Gallery
Net Worthy explores how capitalism accelerates biodiversity loss through extractive systems embedded in industrial agriculture and aquaculture. Visitors enter a submerged seascape where steel fishing nets resemble marine life, fish with human faces sprout fungi, and once-fertile ground collapses into sand.
Using materials including metal, mycelium, soya wax, sand, plant matter, and organic traces, Appletree constructs a visceral environment that exposes the devastation left by profit-driven food production. The installation insists on the intrinsic interdependence of human and nonhuman life, positioning capitalism as a system that endangers all forms of existence.
Eilidh Appletree said: “The materials in Net Worthy are symbols of human-driven environmental destruction. Taken together, the work describes how capitalism endangers all life on earth and reminds us that the fates of humans and non-human animals are intrinsically intertwined.”
Taraneh Dana – A Heart in Exile
Lab Gallery
A Heart in Exile brings together three bodies of work that trace the emotional terrain of migration—its ruptures, expansions, and unresolved tensions. Reflecting on Dana’s move from Iran to the UK, the exhibition unfolds exile as an ongoing political and emotional condition rather than a singular event.
Through clay, sound, and intimate sculptural forms, the works chart grief, gratitude, memory, and identity as shifting states of belonging, offering a quiet yet urgent meditation on displacement and the complexities of rebuilding a life elsewhere.
Taraneh Dana said: “Exile is not a single event but an ongoing condition. Through these works, I try to face myself honestly—acknowledging grief, gratitude, and the strange beauty of rebuilding identity in a new place.”
Molly Wickett – All Day, Waiting for Another Sun to Rise
Corner Gallery
In All Day, Waiting for Another Sun to Rise, Molly Wickett reimagines a post-apocalyptic landscape through a queer and disabled lens. Drawing on the original Greek meaning of “apocalypse” as revelation rather than destruction, the exhibition proposes a world that continues after collapse.
Using forms associated with decay—fallen trees, fungi, eroded matter—Wickett explores “crip time”: an experience of time shaped by disability and difference rather than linear progress. The sculptural landscape reframes ecological breakdown as a site of hope, where Otherness becomes possibility and futurity is reimagined beyond normative frameworks.
Molly Wickett said: “Rather than indicators of what is lost, these sculptures translate a forest’s life cycle into a language of hope. Crip time allows Otherness to become possible, opening a future we constantly move toward.”
Kasia Oleskiewicz – Any Body Home
War Memorial Gallery
Any Body Home emerges from Oleskiewicz’s research into feminism and the rights of nonhuman animals. Examining shared spaces as sites of fear, vulnerability, and interdependence, the exhibition reflects on what it means for bodies—human and nonhuman—to be “given over to another”.
Developed during the Hugo Burge Foundation x Summerhall residency Art as Activism (2024), the works move from commemoration of violence toward imagining a species-inclusive reality in which any body can exist safely, beyond fixed identities of gender, species, nationality, or ability.
Kasia Oleskiewicz said: “I imagine a reality in which any body—human or nonhuman—is safe anywhere they go, beyond identification based on gender, species, nationality, or ability.”
For further information on Summerhall Arts, to get involved or to support please get in touch with info@summerhallarts.co.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Big screen family fun lands at Vue this February half term
With a fantastic roster of brand-new blockbusters and familiar favourites, there's plenty for the whole family to enjoy at Vue this Scottish half term!
READ MORE
OMNi enters home stretch of landmark refurbishment
Edinburgh's affordable leisure and entertainment hub, OMNi has announced its centre-wide refurbishment is progressing well and is due to complete at the end of March 2026.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland marks major milestone for its Scottish Sport Fund
Aldi Scotland has marked a major milestone for its Scottish Sport Fund, reaching £500,000 in donations after ten years of supporting grassroots sports clubs across the country.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Tradfest announces 2026 programme
Opening this year's festival at Potterrow, is multi-award winning, trad music powerhouse RURA performing tunes from their 15-year-long repertoire; and Scottish newcomers Astro Bloc!
READ MORE
Uncle Tiger brings a rotating line up of Asian flavours and night time energy to Bristo Place
A new restaurant opening on Edinburgh's Bristo Place this February is offering diners something a little different...
READ MORE
The Leddie Loves package launches this February
Whether it's a quiet getaway or a Valentine's treat, let The Leddie set the scene for a romantic getaway!
READ MORE
Love is in the air as the biggest wedding showcase in Scotland returns this weekend!
The ever-popular Scottish Wedding Show returns to Glasgow this Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February, bringing together thousands of happy couples for a loved-up weekend of wedding planning fun!
READ MORE
Summerhall Arts announce applications for Second Annual Group Show and reveal winner of Annual Exhibition Collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art
Summerhall Arts is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Second Annual Summerhall Arts Group Show, taking place in spring 2026.
READ MORE
Pioneering street dance collective THREE60 take their work on tour across Scotland
This Spring, pioneering street dance collective THREE60 are taking their bold and highly energetic show World’s Evolution on tour across Scotland.
READ MORE
Margarita Mile set to shake up the capital
Edinburgh's top bartenders and mixologists are getting set to shake things up with the city's first 'Margarita Mile' for Margarita Month!
READ MORE
Forever Edinburgh partners with Civerinos to launch limited edition Local Legends pizzas for National Pizza Day
Forever Edinburgh is teaming up with Edinburgh favourite Civerinos to fire up National Pizza Day!
READ MORE
Top 10 family days and dining deals to enjoy in Scotland this February half term
From the World of Illusions to dazzling jellyfish lanterns, Scotland is packed with unforgettable adventures for the whole family to enjoy!
READ MORE
Foodies Festival returns to Edinburgh for a spectacular 21st Birthday celebration
Food lovers, music fans and families are in for a treat as Foodies Festival returns to Edinburgh for three packed days of delicious food, live music, hands-on experiences and family fun!
READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia serves perfect blend for Queen Elizabeth II centenary
The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh has created a new Royal Tea and enhanced guided group tour experience to mark 100 years since the birth of Queen Elizabeth II in 2026.
READ MORE
Des Clarke brings new comedy show, Life After Des, to Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow
After more than a decade away from touring (yes, ten full years), Des Clarke is back where he belongs... under the lights, mic in hand, oversharing for your entertainment.
READ MORE
How to beat the crowds and save on entry at Camera Obscura this February
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions has announced extended opening hours throughout the February half term, giving visitors even more time to enjoy one of Edinburgh's most popular attractions.
READ MORE
Music icons take centre stage on the big screen at Vue Edinburgh this February
From legendary rock bands to modern global sensations, music fans are invited to experience an electrifying line-up of artists on the big screen at Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre.
READ MORE
Historic Edinburgh attraction unveils first ever immersive dining experience
This February, The Real Mary King's Close launches its longest and most ambitious experience yet - The Cape Controversy, inspired by the real secret Edinburgh Enlightenment society, the Cape Club.
READ MORE
Conifox Adventure Park launches Easter Festival 2026 with egg hunts, characters and family fun
Conifox Adventure Park is inviting families to celebrate Easter with a magical spring adventure as its much-loved Easter Festival returns for 2026!
READ MORE
Eat Out Edinburgh returns this March with new line up of restaurants including Brasserie Prince at The Balmoral
A month of exceptional dining awaits as Eat Out Edinburgh returns to the city this March, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy a month of exclusive deals and special menus!
READ MORE
Half term savings at Dobbies
Families looking for great-value half-term days out will find plenty to enjoy at Dobbies Garden Centres this February.
READ MORE
Number One welcomes Will Lockwood from Roots York for one night chef collaboration
Number One at The Balmoral, led by Chef de Cuisine Mathew Sherry, will host a special one-night collaborative dinner with Will Lockwood, Head Chef of Michelin-starred Roots York.
READ MORE
The fastest growing multi arts festival in Scotland returns for 2026
Kelburn Garden Party returns this July to the enchanted grounds of Kelburn Castle in Scotland, celebrating its 16th year of music, art, nature and adventure!
READ MORE
Commonwealth nations confirmed for 3x3 Basketball at Glasgow 2026
Glasgow 2026 has confirmed the nations set to compete in the 3x3 Basketball competition at this summer's Commonwealth Games.
READ MORE
Bonnie & Wild team up with The Famous Grouse for Guinness Six Nations hospitality deal
Bonnie & Wild has teamed up with The Famous Grouse ahead of the upcoming Guinness Six Nations campaign, which kicks off this Thursday when France take on Ireland at the Stade de France in Paris.
READ MORE
75 participants sought for charity challenge across five Victorian pools this Easter Monday
Who's ready for their next adventure? Edinburgh Leisure is calling on spirited individuals for the 2026 Victorian Pool Crawl!
READ MORE
The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show: Everything You Need To Know
With up to 200 exhibitors showcasing everything from motorhomes to boats, e-bikes, tents and awnings, this year’s show has something for every type of adventure.
READ MORE
Dynamic Earth boosts accessibility with new British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreted Planetarium experiences
Scotland's leading science centre enhances its commitment to accessibility with BSL-interpreted shows and new Changing Places facilities.
READ MORE
Dobbies launches Easter events with fun for families and four legged friends
Dobbies is inviting families and pets to join the Easter fun, with a fantastic selection of events to enjoy!
READ MORE
Free event to offer legal and property advice for families navigating dementia
A free event in Edinburgh is set to offer families impacted by dementia the chance to hear from a panel of experienced professionals.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links