The 13th Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival attracted total audiences of 25,000, making it the biggest festival since moving to new dates in spring. The national programme featured around 300 events and exhibitions, encompassing film, theatre, literature, visual arts, dance, comedy and workshops, all exploring the festival theme of Connected.
You can find out more about SMHAF 2019 in our Closing Report. This reflects on key highlights from our core programme, led by the team at the Mental Health Foundation, as well as those from regional programmes which took place across the country, developed by our networks of artists, activists, organisations and communities dedicated to exploring mental health through the arts. The report also gives an insight into the impact that the festival had on its participants, from artists and filmmakers, to programmers, curators and audience members. You can download the report by clicking on the image below.
Finally, to wrap up SMHAF 2019, we would like to thank everyone who helped to make it such a success. This includes everyone involved with the SMHAF planning groups and the communities who came together to put on events this year; the thousands of audience members who joined us for events, discussions and creative activities; our volunteers who contributed their time to supporting the festival; and our national partners: Creative Scotland, See Me, NHS Lothian and A Sense of Belonging Arts Programme, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Royal College of Psychiatrists, Scottish Forestry, Front Page and The List.
SMHAF 2020
The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival will return from 4-24 May 2020 and the theme will be Perspectives. The national team and regional co-ordinators across Scotland are already planning for next year, so we would encourage you to get in touch if you would like to be involved in any way.