News

On World Mental Health Day, we are sharing a reflection by talented artist, Lauren Stonebanks, one of the founders of the Out of Sight Out of Mind exhibition. Lauren writes about the first piece of work she made for the exhibition 14 years ago – Prisoner Cell Block BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) – and on her misdiagnosis and how it affected her.

To coincide with the theme of World Mental Health Day 2026, here are some powerful SMHAF events which celebrate voices of lived experience

This year SMHAF is partnering with Summerhall in Edinburgh for a three-week programme of theatre, music, exhibitions and more, to mark our 20th year.

The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF), led by the Mental Health Foundation, is marking its 20th year with a programme of more than 180 events across Scotland. 

In 2026, the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival celebrates its 20th year, an opportunity to recognise two decades of mental health and creativity while looking at where we are now and where we might go next.

We’re delighted to share details of 12 participatory arts projects, supported by the Baring Foundation and Creative Scotland, taking place in Perth, Stirling and towns and rural areas across Scotland. 

Join us in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee for a wide-ranging programme of features, shorts and classic film exploring mental health through bold, imaginative and deeply personal cinema.

Australian comedian Frankie McNair has won the 2026 Mental Health Foundation Fringe Award at the Edinburgh Fringe, for Huge Ass Mindset, a stand-up comedy show about her experiences of complex PTSD resulting from childhood sexual abuse.

Award-winning performance artist Bryony Kimmings and comedian Felicity Ward shared their experiences of creating work about mental health for The Mental Health Arts Network event

Enter the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival’s 2026 writing competition with new writing inspired by mental health and our theme of Reflections.