“There was a recurring theme of escaping, escaping in some ways the prison that mental illness can become for some people.”

In Looking Closer, Nicole and Iain from Support in Mind Scotland travel up and down the country speaking to people involved in exhibitions at the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2017. This podcast features interviews with SMHAF Highland partner organisations, who hosted exhibitions at The Bike Shed, Inverness; and The Stafford Centre, SiMS’ own community resource in Edinburgh. They also discuss artworks from Out of Sight, Out of Mind and Duvet Day, a physical exploration of depression by C&O Dance Theatre.

Support in Mind Scotland seek to support and empower all those affected by mental illness, including family members, carers and supporters. To find out more, visit their website. 

Nicole Bell is the Capacity Building Officer for Support in Mind Scotland. Splitting her time between Fife and Edinburgh, she is frequently spotted catching up with friends while exploring the gastronomic delights at either end of the Forth Road Bridge. Find her on Twitter at @nicolebellcurve.

Iain Mitchell is Community Partnership Fundraising Officer for the mental health charity Support in Mind Scotland. A lover of cinema, Popmaster on Radio 2, animal odd-couples, Iron Maiden and checked shirts. Find him on Twitter @toast2toast9.

You can now subscribe to the Mental Health Arts Podcast through Soundcloud and iTunes.