Our festival takes place all across Scotland, with diverse events being programmed and delivered by and for communities in multiple Scottish regions. We wanted to shine a light on some of these incredible regional programmes so audiences can more easily find events that are happening locally to them. Today we’re looking at highlights in Lanarkshire.
Truth to Power is a visually striking exhibition from the Not Alone Collective, running at Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life in Coatbridge until 22 October. The exhibition explores how the mental health industry has been (and in many cases continues to be) used as a tool to maintain societal norms, rather than challenge the status quo so that everyone can lead healthy, meaningful and fulfilled lives.
The Not Alone Collective has been brewing a revolution by sharing stories and co-producing a non-hierarchical, trauma-informed, AI supported, neurodiversity and disability inclusive art activism peership in North Lanarkshire. You can contribute to their zine, take part in their live research, and access advocacy advice and resources at www.notalone.uk.
On 6 October the first episode of enlightening new podcast series Amplifying Artistry dropped. The series highlights the diverse talents of artists who live in North Lanarkshire, providing a platform for their stories and works. Listeners can expect captivating conversations, performances, and thought-provoking discussions, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of the arts. A new episode will appear each Friday until 24 November.
The Adult Health & Wellbeing Group at Carstairs Junction invite you to join them at the local Community Hall on Friday 13 October for a showcase of new artworks and live music, a celebration of moving towards positive change in all aspects of mental health. Artworks on display at special event Revolution of Change will include masks which powerfully illustrate how people with poor mental health can sometimes hide this from others. And the group will play some live tunes, sharing their newfound skills and highlighting the importance of music in reducing anxiety and stress.
SMHAF’s Lanarkshire programme is also highlighting the voices of black and ethnic minority carers with We Care: A Celebration of BAME Carers in North Lanarkshire, at Bellshill Cultural Centre on Thursday 19 October. Responding to the festival theme of ‘Revolution’, the event – sharing work created with multi-disciplinary artist Hamshya Rajkumar – will explore different ways that voices can be heard. Carers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds experience ongoing stigma, including in their own communities, and face a wide range of barriers in accessing mental health services.
Elsewhere, Revolutionary Trails is a series of guided walks through picturesque locations, where you can immerse yourself in nature, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and explore the transformative power of artistic expression. Walks are still to take place at Westburn Marsh, Cambuslang, on Thursday 19 October, and Calderglen Country Park, East Kilbride, on Friday 20 October.
There are many more events to explore, browse the full Lanarkshire programme and book tickets here.