The Scottish Contemporary Collective is more than just an initiative—it’s a revolution in how we support, exhibit, and develop contemporary Scottish artists. At its core, this project is about breaking down barriers in the art world, ensuring that emerging artists are not just seen but given the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to build sustainable, thriving careers.
In early 2024, I purchased Tighnabruaich Gallery, not just as a space to exhibit work, but as a platform to launch the Scottish Contemporary Collective’s three-year pilot programme. This project will bring together four of Scotland’s most exciting emerging artists alongside four internationally respected mentors, creating an ecosystem of support, knowledge exchange, and creative excellence.
The First Cohort: Four Emerging Artists to Watch
Over the next three years, we will support, develop, and elevate four incredibly talented emerging Scottish artists:
- Eva Hewitt
- Innes MacLellan
- Vlada Popescu
- Kirstin Mackinnon
Each of these artists will benefit from a dedicated, structured programme designed to equip them with more than just artistic skills—they will receive business mentorship, branding guidance, and support in areas that are often overlooked in traditional art education.
The programme recognises that talent alone is not enough in today’s art world. Too often, emerging artists struggle not because of a lack of ability, but because they lack the infrastructure and commercial knowledge to sustain a career. That’s why this initiative will focus not just on artistic development, but on real-world skills such as branding, business strategy, and e-commerce.
A Groundbreaking Commission Model
One of the key differences within the Tighnabruaich Gallery model is the way it actively reinvests in emerging artists. Traditional gallery commission structures often take 50% or more from an artist’s sales, leaving many struggling despite successful exhibitions. The Scottish Contemporary Collective is changing that model completely.
- Emerging artists in the Collective will only ever pay 33% commission— for life.
- Established artists pay 44%, but 11% of every sale is reinvested into the Collective Fund to support masterclasses, residencies, bursaries, materials, and travel opportunities.
- Core mentors and guest artists exhibit under the same structure, ensuring that reinvestment in the Collective is built into the very fabric of the gallery.
This means that every collector who purchases from Tighnabruaich Gallery is directly supporting the next generation of Scottish artists.
Established Artists & Mentors: A Culture of Knowledge Transfer
A fundamental belief behind the Collective is that learning is a two-way process. While the emerging artists will receive mentorship, guidance, and exhibition opportunities, the programme is also designed to create an exchange of ideas between artists at all levels.
The four core mentors:
Ade Adesina
Dale Bissland
Denise Findlay
Lewis MacKenzie
Are all highly respected contemporary artists. They will guide the cohort, passing on the technical expertise, business acumen, and industry insights that are crucial for a long-term career.
But the magic of this programme isn’t just in what the emerging artists gain—it’s in the unexpected growth and development of the mentors and established artists themselves.
Guest mentors such as David Mach RA and Robert Mach will also play a role in the programme, working with the Collective in specialised workshops and talks. By exhibiting alongside these internationally recognised artists, the emerging artists will gain visibility and credibility within the wider art world.
One of the most exciting aspects of this initiative is the idea that everybody involved is contributing with no agenda other than to support and uplift emerging artists. The by-product of this is that established artists, too, will develop and evolve, benefiting from the fresh energy, innovation, and enthusiasm of the Collective members.
Representation & Inclusion: A Commitment to Change
Representation in the arts has long been uneven and exclusionary. The Scottish Contemporary Collective is actively working to change this by maintaining a minimum of 50% female artist representation across our annual exhibitions and masterclasses.
We believe that diversity strengthens the Scottish contemporary art scene, and that every artist, regardless of background, should have access to the tools, mentorship, and opportunities needed to succeed.
This initiative is not just about showcasing work—it’s about redefining how the Scottish art world operates, making it more inclusive, fair, and accessible.
A New Era for Tighnabruaich Gallery
The Scottish Contemporary Collective is an ambitious project—one that is reshaping the role of a contemporary gallery.
By bringing together emerging and established artists, restructuring the traditional gallery commission model, and investing in sustainable career development, we are setting a new standard for how art should be exhibited, supported, and sold.
This summer, Tighnabruaich Gallery will relaunch as a hub for contemporary Scottish art, with the first Scottish Contemporary Collective exhibition opening on July 26, 2025.
We invite you to be part of this journey.
Join Our Mailing List – Get exclusive updates on exhibitions, masterclasses, and artist opportunities.
Visit the Gallery – Discover the work of Scotland’s next generation of leading contemporary artists.
Support the Collective – Whether through collecting, sponsorship, or partnership, your support directly impacts the future of Scottish contemporary art.