About
Led by the Mental Health Foundation, the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) is one of the world’s leading arts events dedicated to mental health.
Established in 2007, our annual programme features hundreds of events and engages up to 25,000 people. It covers all artforms, from theatre, film and music, to visual arts, writing and dance.
Through our work, we explore how the arts and creativity can help to prevent mental health problems and support people to live mentally healthier lives. Our innovative approach, combining high artistic quality with grassroots support, community engagement and social activism, has been replicated internationally.
By engaging with artists, connecting with communities and forming collaborations, we celebrate the artistic achievements of people with experience of mental health problems, challenge stigma and perceptions, and encourage participation in the arts to promote good mental health for all.
Mental Health Foundation
The annual Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival is led by the Mental Health Foundation.
Since 1949, the Mental Health Foundation has been the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health.
Our vision is for a world with good mental health for all. With prevention at the heart of what we do, we aim to find and address the sources of mental health problems so that people and communities can thrive.
We will drive change towards a mentally healthy society for all, and support communities, families and individuals to live mentally healthier lives, with a particular focus on those at greatest risk.
We are the home of Mental Health Awareness Week.
