The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival is now live, bringing its inspiring programme of creativity, conversation and connection to communities across Scotland. This year, North Ayrshire is proud to host an incredible 24 events and exhibitions, offering something for everyone to enjoy as part of Scotland’s national celebration of arts and mental health. Why notContinue reading “Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Returns to North Ayrshire with 24 Incredible Events”
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Reflecting before the Reflections
Hi, Jay James here. You may remember me from such shows as, well just the one show, ‘Art Imitating Life’ a verbatim theatre production I brought to the Harbour Arts Centre last year for the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival – which was also my first time showcasing my art at the festival overall. Shameful,Continue reading “Reflecting before the Reflections”
A Creative Pulse: Reflections from the North Ayrshire Mental Health Arts Festival
Sam Hodkinson (Co lead North Ayrshire Mental Health Arts Festival) There’s a moment each year, just before the North Ayrshire Mental Health Arts Festival begins, when everything feels quietly electric. Programmes are finalised, venues prepared, artists ready to share deeply personal work and as coordinators, we pause to take it all in. Because this festivalContinue reading “A Creative Pulse: Reflections from the North Ayrshire Mental Health Arts Festival”
Not an Artist but Taking Time to Reflect
By Karen Lee, Health Improvement Officer Last year, I wrote about how I don’t really see myself as a creative person but how the arts are still part of my everyday life. Watching films, listening to music, reading, taking photos all play a role in how I look after my mental wellbeing. This year’s theme of reflection made meContinue reading “Not an Artist but Taking Time to Reflect “
Could you get involved in our community takeover trail this year?
To register your event, community takeover idea fill in the form here https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/ht5HEc3Bkx
Reflecting back to plan the year ahead
We’ve got loads of awesome ideas we can’t wait to share with you, but until then, why not check out our flip book from last year for some inspiration? You can find it here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/396d1292a7.html. Although our festival is North Ayrshire-based, you will notice that over the years we have welcomed a growing number ofContinue reading “Reflecting back to plan the year ahead”
Its that time again! Call for events and ideas for this years festival (2026).
Wow, can you believe it’s already April? It feels like just yesterday we wrapped up last year’s festival! We are pleased to share that planning is underway for this year’s North Ayrshire Mental Health Arts Festival, taking place from 20 October to 9 November 2026. This year’s festival theme is Reflections, inviting creative responses thatContinue reading “Its that time again! Call for events and ideas for this years festival (2026).”
Capturing Wellbeing: Exploring creativity through photography
When we started Ayrshire Film Co. CIC, I held a strong belief that film could positively impact our local community. What took me much longer to realise was this; the act of participation often creates a greater impact than the final product itself. Over the years we’ve been involved in many community projects and haveContinue reading “Capturing Wellbeing: Exploring creativity through photography”
Not an Artist – But the Arts Still Support My Wellbeing
By Karen Lee, Health Improvement Officer As someone working in Public Health, I’ve always leaned more naturally toward physical activity when it comes to supporting my own mental wellbeing. A good long walk, a trip to the gym, or a swim clears my head and helps me feel more able to cope with the upsContinue reading “Not an Artist – But the Arts Still Support My Wellbeing”
Official launch of the Scottish Mental Health Arts festival 2025 and North Ayrshire programme!
🎉 The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2025 programme – @mhfestival – is now live! Taking place right across Scotland from 20 October to 9 November, this year’s festival led by @mentalhealthfoundation explores the theme Comfort & Disturb. This year there are hundreds of events spanning film, theatre, music, visual art, writing, workshops and more.Continue reading “Official launch of the Scottish Mental Health Arts festival 2025 and North Ayrshire programme!”
