Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival
The 20th Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) takes place from 19 October to 8 November, exploring the theme of Reflections.
Book tickets for over 180 events across Scotland, including film, theatre, music, visual arts, writing, comedy, creative workshops and community events.
SMHAF 2026 Highlights
International Film Awards 2026
Join us in our landmark 20th year to celebrate award-winning cinema from Scotland and across the world. Hosted by Raisah Ahmed and followed by a reception.
Reflect, Reclaim, Reimagine
An exhibition showcasing visual artworks by Kelly Zou, Mairi Timoney, Nat Ophelia Walpole, Steven Jones and Jasmine Esme, responding to our 20th year theme Reflections.
Jo Mango EP Launch
Singer-songwriter Jo Mango launches a new EP of songs commissioned by SMHAF, building on themes explored in her acclaimed 2026 album The Light Switch.
Young People’s Gathering: Almond by Milly Sweeney & Parasocial Activity by Briony Martha
What does it mean to be young in Scotland today? As part of SMHAF’s young people’s engagement programme, we present an evening of performance aimed at artists and audiences aged 16–25, reflecting on the big issues impacting young people and their mental health.
Trine on Fire
At 34, Trine set her house on fire, an act that led to a long-term stay in a forensic psychiatric hospital. Eleven years later, she is determined to begin anew and embarks on an ambitious theatrical project and documentary film.
I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning — Glasgow Film Theatre
Join us for a special preview screening of the highly anticipated new film from acclaimed British filmmaker Clio Barnard.
Thorntree — Filmhouse
The debut feature from Edinburgh-based filmmaker Isaac Knights-Washbourn is an intimate portrait of Thorntree, Rowan Alba’s pioneering supported accommodation for alcohol-dependent men.
Writing Awards 2026
Join us at the Tolbooth in Stirling for a live literary showcase and our annual prizegiving, inspired by this year’s theme, Reflections, and hosted by poet Len Pennie.
Reflections From Home
Through distinctively Scottish and UK perspectives, this programme reflects on what we inherit from the people and places that shape us. Through distinctively Scottish and UK perspectives, this programme reflects on what we inherit from the people and places that shape us.
Amanda
Amanda has painted in isolation for years, using art as both expression and refuge. Now, she must face the challenge of speaking out about a painful past she wishes to leave behind, in front of a world that silenced her before.
News
Share Your SMHAF Story: Reflections on 20 Years of Arts and Mental Health
In 2026, SMHAF celebrates 20 years of bringing people together through the arts and mental health with the theme of Reflections. Share your SMHAF story.
Full Line-Up Announced for Writing Awards 2026
The full line-up for our Writing Awards 2026 at the Tolbooth in Stirling has been announced, bringing together the shortlisted writers from this year’s competition for a celebration of writing, spoken word and music.
Reflections on my first Out of Sight Out of Mind artwork
On World Mental Health Day, we are sharing a reflection by talented artist, Lauren Stonebanks, one of the founders of the Out of Sight Out of Mind exhibition. Lauren writes about the first piece of work she made for the exhibition 14 years ago – Prisoner Cell Block BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) – and on her misdiagnosis and how it affected her.
World Mental Health Day 2026: Celebrating voices of lived experience
To coincide with the theme of World Mental Health Day 2026, here are some powerful SMHAF events which celebrate voices of lived experience
SMHAF at Summerhall
This year SMHAF is partnering with Summerhall in Edinburgh for a three-week programme of theatre, music, exhibitions and more, to mark our 20th year.
Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) celebrates its 20th year
The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF), led by the Mental Health Foundation, is marking its 20th year with a programme of more than 180 events across Scotland.
Welcome to the 20th Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival
In 2026, the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival celebrates its 20th year, an opportunity to recognise two decades of mental health and creativity while looking at where we are now and where we might go next.
Announcing our 12 Regional Participatory Arts Fund Projects for 2026
We’re delighted to share details of 12 participatory arts projects, supported by the Baring Foundation and Creative Scotland, taking place in Perth, Stirling and towns and rural areas across Scotland.
Focus on Film in Glasgow, Edinburgh & Dundee
Join us in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee for a wide-ranging programme of features, shorts and classic film exploring mental health through bold, imaginative and deeply personal cinema.
Frankie McNair is first comedian to win Mental Health Foundation Fringe Award
Australian comedian Frankie McNair has won the 2026 Mental Health Foundation Fringe Award at the Edinburgh Fringe, for Huge Ass Mindset, a stand-up comedy show about her experiences of complex PTSD resulting from childhood sexual abuse.
Digital Brochure
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