Events

The 20th Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) will take place from 19 October to 8 November 2026, exploring the theme of Reflections. We also host events throughout the year.

You can explore all our events below and search by date, location, artform, type or keyword. If you would prefer to read our digital brochure, you can download it here.

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Showing 10 events
a close up for typed text on white paper surrounded by old yellow pages from paper back books. There are a couple of phrases circles with the blue pen that sits on top of the white paper. there are coloured post it notes with creative writing terminology and some books stacked in the background.
WritingWorkshop

Pause, Reflect and Create

8, 22, 29 October 2026
Newmains Community Trust, Wishaw
FREE
18+

These uplifting and inspiring creative writing workshops are centered around the theme of Reflections, encouraging participants to slow down, pause, and explore their thoughts, memories and experiences.

Colourful card artwork piece
Visual ArtsWorkshop

Hidden Worlds — Workshop

14, 28 October 2026
Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, Coatbridge
FREE

Take time to reflect on who you are and who you want to be with this family friendly workshop that combines origami, decoupage and layered paper art techniques.

PhotographyWorkshop

Through The Lens — Nature Walks

14, 20 October 2026
Baron’s Haugh Nature Reserve, Motherwell
FREE

Join Lanarkshire Links for nature walks where we will be using disposable cameras to capture pictures and creative groups to recreate pictures through poetry, sketching and paint.

Press moulded bowl , with scots dialect phrase "Yer Gallus"
Crafts

Banter Bits, Bowls & Pots

19 October 2026, 2 November 2026
Pather Artworks, Wishaw
FREE
18+

A fun, hands-on ceramics workshop where creativity meets good chat. Guided by an experienced maker, you’ll shape your own unique pieces while connecting with others. No experience needed.

Artists use a variety of materials with painting to create Collage.
Visual ArtsExhibition

Airdrie Art Connection

–
Airdrie Town Hall, Airdrie
FREE

Airdrie Art Connection invite you to their first ever exhibition, featuring work made by local, amateur artists. Browse original pieces and learn more about the artists and their vision.

Textile. 24 cream coloured pom poms to represent the 24 vertebrae in adult human. 220 unique patterned colour pom poms to represent the 220,000 people in the UK with Ankylosing Spondilitis
Visual Arts

Hidden Worlds — Exhibition

–
Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life, Coatbridge
FREE

This exhibition brings together painting, collage and textile work created as part of an MA project exploring reasonable adjustments for chronic illness and mental health.

Photo from audience Q&A at previous festival
Film

Deep Fried Film Festival

22, 29 October 2026, 5 November 2026
Bright Door Studios, Wishaw
FREE

Celebrate 20 years of the Deep Fried Film Festival with a special screening of independent films, followed by a Q&A with filmmakers exploring the theme of Reflections.

Textured photograph of a man with one side of his face turning into a grey material
Multi-Arts

The Story We See

22, 29 October 2026, 5, 12, 19, 26 November 2026
Douglas Universal Connections, Douglas
FREE
18+

Join us for a supportive and inspiring six-week creative journey in rural Lanarkshire, using photography, art, words and film to explore your experiences, emotions and everyday moments.

PhotographyWorkshop

Through The Lens — Creative Workshops

29 September 2026-26 October 2026
GLO Centre, Motherwell
FREE

Join Lanarkshire Links for nature walks where we will be using disposable cameras to capture pictures and creative groups to recreate pictures through poetry, sketching and paint.

Venetian style mask decorated with a mix of fresh and dried flowers
CraftsWorkshop

Bloom Behind the Mask — Smyllum Community Hub

Smyllum Community Hub, Lanark
FREE

Step into a creative space of colour, flowers, and self-expression in this dual-sided floral mask workshop. A fun, welcoming session for all, encouraging creativity, conversion and positive wellbeing.