The past two years have been a huge learning curve for all of us involved in creating and running the North Ayrshire Mental Health Arts Festival. The process of learning to plan and coordinate a programme of events has been challenging at times, but the rewards have outweighed any stress encountered along the way !
Year 1 in 2023 allowed us the invaluable opportunity to get to know the dedicated team at the Mental Health Foundation. This collaboration opened doors for us to understand how other regions across Scotland approached their programmes, each with unique characteristics and community engagement strategies. It was genuinely inspiring to witness the creativity and inventiveness of individuals and groups in these initiatives. Their passion and enthusiasm provided us with a wealth of motivation and fresh ideas, which we began to incorporate into our planning.
In the first year, we were presented with the theme of ‘Revolution,’ a concept that evoked many different interpretations and reflections on what this meant to people as part of their mental health recovery journey. For some, the word revolution was closely likened to the revolutions of a clock, symbolizing progression and the cyclical nature of life experiences. Each revolution represented a new chapter or part of their journey, highlighting the concept that healing is not linear, but rather a series of ups and downs, much like the hands of a clock moving forward, yet returning to familiar points as life unfolds.
For others, the theme of revolution provided a powerful opportunity to challenge existing perceptions of mental health. This discourse was pivotal in addressing the stigma that still surrounds mental health issues, which can act as barriers for those seeking help and support. Engaging artists and community members in this dialogue encouraged them to express themselves freely through various art forms, allowing for a collective exploration of what revolution means in the context of mental health. By showcasing their stories, it not only validated their experiences but also fostered a sense of belonging and understanding among attendees. The festival became a space where art and mental health converged, demonstrating the transformative power of creativity and community support in the journey toward healing and awareness.
Our first year saw a total of thirty events being included in our programme, ranging from poetry, film nights, crafts, art exhibitions, workshops, photography, music and much more. Each event offered a unique experience that captured the dynamic spirit of our creative community.
With this being our first attempt at running something like this, our team was delighted and provided us with fantastic opportunities to make connections with our community and creatives that we would be able to build on year on year. The passion and enthusiasm from both participants and attendees were incredibly motivating, and we were pleased to facilitate conversations that fostered community engagement and artistic expression.
Year 2 was always going to be nerve-wracking, as we were determined to meet up to the previous successes of 2023. The theme for this year was ‘in/Visible’, which invited everyone involved to reflect deeply on what this meant to them personally and how we could interpret this creatively in the context of the events we planned. This theme encouraged not only creativity but also vulnerability, allowing artists and audiences to navigate important conversations about visibility and the support offered in their respective communities.
For many people we had contact with, the theme in/Visible articulated what it felt like to experience mental health challenges and the road to recovery. The term ‘invisible’ makes reference to the stigma associated with mental health, while ‘Visible’ signals a journey of acceptance—accepting who we are and that it is perfectly okay to say ‘we are not ok’. This year’s events aimed to break down these barriers and foster conversations that inspire understanding and empathy.
The 2024 festival eventually had fifteen events, featuring a range of new contributors such as Mecopp and our Gypsy Traveller community, and included voices from the Scottish Head Injury Music Support group (SHIMS) and the social commentator and rapper Darren McGarvey. These dedicated contributors brought fresh insights and creativity into the fold, enriching the festival’s offerings. Like the previous year, our contributors presented an amazing series of events for the public to enjoy, learn from, and connect with, showcasing the diverse range of talent and perspectives that are part of our community.
In addition to our public events, we also provided a number of closed events specifically for children and young people within schools, along with individuals residing within in-patient mental health settings. These closed events allowed us to ensure our festival and the creative arts we promote could benefit as many people as possible and could be coordinated in an environment that provided a safe and supportive atmosphere to participate. We recognised the importance of reaching underserved populations and creating opportunities for all voices to be heard, especially those that may feel marginalised.
Improving accessibility and inclusion within our festival is core to what we try to achieve each year. We are deeply committed to ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to partake in the creative arts, regardless of their background or circumstances. For 2025, we plan to build on this commitment, exploring a range of different approaches to further enhance accessibility and inclusivity within our programming. This may include collaborations with local organizations, diversifying the types of events we offer, and continuing to listen to our community’s needs to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to share their stories. With each passing year, we remain steadfast in our mission to support creativity and connection within our community, embracing both visible and invisible narratives.
We look forward to planning our 2025 programme and sharing all our plans along the way with you !
Pictures from Irvine Camera Club of the 2024 Mental Health Arts Festival
North Ayrshire Mental Health Arts Festival 