Arts and crafts are particularly strong among the islanders and, to promote this, an exhibition called Seoid na nOileán ('gems of the islands') is held regularly at various centres. The exhibition was first held on the Donegal mainland at Ionad Cois Loacha, Dún Lúiche, in 1999, and it has been held every year since then in various centres around Ireland. Artists from Inis Fraoigh, Gabhla, Inis Bó Finne, Oileán Ruaidh, Toraigh and Árainn Mhór take part in the exhibition annually.

In 2000, the Minister for the Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Island, Éamon Ó Cuív, invited the islands community to take the exhibition to Dublin, and the Minister himself performed the official opening in the offices of his department in Dún Aimhirgín, Mespil Road, on 7th September. The exhibition ran for one month.

In 2004, the islands arts and crafts went on show at the Irishfest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. This was the first time an exhibition from the islands of Ireland had been shown abroad; it was a great success.

In 2005, works by artists from the islands were exhibited in Gailearaí Ghaoth Dobhair, an Chrannóg, Na Doirí Beaga.

Art classes and workshops are organised annually by Mná na nOileán ('women of the islands group'), co-ordinated by Ancaire (Comharchumann na nOileán Beag).