​The first official artwork for the 2026 Commonwealth Games has been revealed at Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), marking a bold visual introduction to the forthcoming event. Renowned artist Ben Mosley created the painting, which embraces Glasgow’s landmarks and rich heritage through his distinctive expressionist style. The 4-foot-square canvas was painted freehand over three days, capturing the city’s iconic elements in a dynamic, color-forward composition. Central to the piece are the Duke of Wellington statue, the Finnieston crane, and the SEC Armadillo, all rendered with Mosley’s characteristic energy and brushwork. This project is part of a broader collaboration with Trivandi, the official event delivery partner for Glasgow 2026, which has appointed Mosley as the artist in residence for the Games. The unveiling event included an art class and was attended by the Games’ official mascot, Finnie—the unicorn with a traffic cone for a horn—along with young participants from the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, underscoring the Games’ commitment to community involvement and accessibility.
In addition to the official artwork, Mosley is set to create a series of live paintings during the Games, aiming to encapsulate the spirit and soul of Glasgow 2026 as it unfolds on the world stage. This live painting series will serve as a dynamic visual chronicle of the event, capturing moments of competition, culture, and communal pride as they happen. Mosley’s involvement extends beyond the 2026 Games; he currently serves as the official artist for Team GB and has produced commissioned works for both the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, showcasing his established record of capturing athletic prowess and national pride through art.
“My painting is a celebration of Glasgow,” Mosley said, describing his work as an homage to the city’s distinctive character. “It aims to capture the spirit of Glasgow through its iconic landmarks and vibrant culture, blending those elements with the sports represented at this year’s Commonwealth Games. I’m really looking forward to the Games, painting live, and sharing with Glasgow the unique perspective I bring to this moment.” His words convey a sense of anticipation and collaboration, highlighting how art and sport can intertwine to reflect a city’s identity on an international stage.
Adrian Lismore, chairman of the Commonwealth Sport Foundation, commented on the broader significance of Mosley’s contribution: “The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games offer an opportunity to create a lasting cultural and artistic legacy that extends beyond the closing ceremony. With Ben’s work, Glasgow will not only remember outstanding athletic performances but also experience a vibrant visual portrayal of the city, its people, and the achievements celebrated in the summer of 2026.” This sentiment emphasizes the Games’ aspiration to leave a durable, multi-sensory imprint on Glasgow that resonates with residents and visitors alike.
Glasgow’s hosting of the Commonwealth Games has a storied history, having previously welcomed the event in 2014. In a notable turn of events, Glasgow stepped in to host the 23rd edition after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew due to escalating costs, a decision that underscored the city’s resilience and commitment to sport. The 2026 edition is scheduled to run from July 23 to August 2 and will bring together more than 3,000 athletes representing 74 nations, underscoring the event’s global reach and the city’s capacity to stage a world-class competition.
The cultural dimension of the Games is a core priority, with Mosley’s artwork acting as a tangible symbol of Glasgow’s artistic ambition and community spirit. By situating the introduction of the artwork at GOMA, a renowned institution for modern and contemporary art, organizers are signaling a strong alignment between the Games and Glasgow’s cultural ecosystem. The choice to commission a prominent local artist to create a residence-based body of work during the Games further reinforces the city’s dedication to integrating sport, design, and fine art in a cohesive, celebratory narrative.
The collaboration between Mosley and Trivandi highlights a model for future Games where art and sport complement each other, creating a holistic experience for visitors and residents. The live-painting initiative will enable audiences to witness the creative process in real time, adding an additional layer of engagement to the sporting and cultural program. As Mosley works on-site, spectators will gain insight into how an artist interprets the atmosphere of international competition and the unique character of Glasgow, offering a fresh perspective on what the Games represent beyond medals and records.
The unveiling of the artwork and Mosley’s residency set the stage for ongoing artistic activity throughout the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with public-facing events, open studios, and collaborative projects that invite residents and visitors to participate in the creative process. This approach aligns with Glasgow’s broader vision of using the 2026 event to catalyze a lasting cultural and artistic legacy—one that outlives the Games themselves and continues to inspire future generations of artists and athletes. The fusion of iconic Glasgow imagery with contemporary expressionism promises to deliver a compelling visual narrative that will resonate long after the final whistle of the closing ceremony.