Out of Sight Out of Mind, an ambitious multimedia exhibition featuring artworks by 100 individuals who have experience of mental health issues, returns for its eighth year this November. Always a highlight of the SMHAF year-round arts programme, this year promises to be an “exhibition for all”, with work on show at Summerhall in Edinburgh and online at outofsightoutofmind.scot. 

The exhibition is described as a display of solidarity, inclusivity and community in the midst of an exceptional and challenging year, in which it has been harder than ever for marginalised voices to be heard. This year there will be paintings, drawings, prints, films, sculptures, and hopefully, a few installations, both at Summerhall and online.

Felicity Edwards, OOSOOM exhibitor and organiser said: “At the heart of Out of Sight out of Mind are many voices speaking through art. This exhibition seeks to be inclusive in its work and organisers unequivocally stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, the LGBTQ community and all those disadvantaged in society. We believe each perspective is unique and every voice deserves to be heard. We know that not all exhibitors and audience members have online access and that not everyone will be able to visit the exhibition in person because of COVID. So, we hope that by doing both there will be something for as many people as possible. This is an exhibition for all.”

Over the past two years, Out of Sight Out of Mind has drawn nearly 2,000 visitors to its annual exhibition at Summerhall. This year both its physical and online exhibitions launch on the same day, Thursday 12 November. The brand new Out of Sight Out of Mind website will allow it to reach a larger audience than ever, with online events happening throughout the month.

The online launch takes place from 6.30-7.30pm. Book your place here to hear from the team behind the exhibition and get a first look at some of the artworks. 

Entrance to the physical exhibition at Summerhall will be subject to Covid-19 restrictions, with visitors required to book a time slot for their visit. The realisation of the physical exhibition is subject to any new restrictions which come into place in the next few weeks. 

Pam van de Brug from CAPS Independent Advocacy said: “Although it will mean smaller numbers can visit, this will give some people the chance to see the work in a physical way as is often the intention when an artwork is made. It also allows those who don’t have internet access to see the work. In whatever format people visit Out of Sight Out of Mind this year, as usual, it is going to be a unique, diverse and very human collection of works.”

About the Exhibition

Out of Sight Out of Mind at Summerhall will be open 13-28 November, Wed-Sat 12pm-6pm. Full details about the exhibition and online events will be available soon at outofsightoutofmind.scot, and publicised on the SMHAF website. Follow the exhibition on social media using the hashtag #OOSOOM2020 or on Facebook at @oosoomexhibition.

Out of Sight Out of Mind is organised by a planning group of people who have lived experience of mental health issues and staff in organisations that work alongside people with experience of mental health issues. It is hosted by CAPS Independent Advocacy, funded by Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership. It is part of the year-round Edinburgh “A Sense of Belonging Arts Programme” and the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival’s year-round programme. Other organisations involved in planning the 2020 exhibition are Penumbra and MECOPP Gypsy/Travellers Carers Project.