Out of Sight, Out of Mind launches on World Mental Health Day, 10 October, with almost 400 artworks exploring mental health showcased in the largest exhibition of its kind in Scotland.
This diverse and ambitious multimedia exhibition is created by hundreds of artists with experience of mental health issues, and returns to Summerhall in Edinburgh this October.
Now in its sixth year, Out of Sight Out of Mind has quadrupled in size since its 2013 launch as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF). A feast of film, sculpture, installation, photography, painting and drawing, it continues to be supported by SMHAF and the Mental Health Foundation as part of their year-round arts programme. This year the exhibition will consist of almost 400 artworks, and fill more than an entire floor of the extensive gallery spaces at Summerhall in Edinburgh.
Out of Sight Out of Mind came into existence in 2013 as a collaborative project between CAPS Independent Advocacy, The Alma Project, MECOPP Gypsy/Traveller Carer’s Project, Penumbra, LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing, Bipolar Scotland and several individual artists.
Lauren, one of the original collaborators, said: “We’ve reached thousands of people and have several books worth of positive comments about the art and the exhibition. I’ve learnt so many new skills and it has helped and encouraged me to engage more with people, often complete strangers. Most importantly, despite it being challenging, my involvement has given me another reason to live. As someone who struggles with suicidal ideation on a daily, sometimes hourly basis I need every reason I can find. This exhibition makes a big difference.”
Also supported by NHS Lothian’s Sense of Belonging Arts Programme, Out of Sight Out of Mind is an inclusive and accessible platform for people who want to use the arts to have their often-unheard voices heard. Powerful and stunning, the artwork aims to generate a response, whilst challenging misconceptions surrounding mental health. The motivations of the individuals and groups involved are varied – personal expression; development of an artistic practice; experiencing the therapeutic benefits of making; formal art therapy; political activism; having a voice, and many others.
Out of Sight Out of Mind opens at Summerhall on World Mental Health Day 2018 (Wednesday 10 October) and runs until Sunday 28th October. It is open each day (except Mondays) from 10am to 6pm.
On two Wednesday afternoon’s throughout the exhibition, OOSOOM Uncovered will offer a relaxed space for artists to talk to people about their work, with different artists speaking each week. OOSOOM Uncovered will take place on Wednesday17, and 24 October, from 2-4pm. To book a space, email pam@capsadvocacy.org.
The exhibition will be launched with an evening event on Tuesday 9 October. The exhibition and all events are free to attend, and everyone is welcome. Summerhall is wheelchair accessible and dog friendly.