Why mental health arts festival?
The festival is guided by the following principles:
Research on the impact of mental health arts festivals indicates that such themed arts events - by creating shared meaning and engaging audiences on an emotional level - strengthen participants' psychological wellbeing. The World Health Organization (2019) states that carefully planned community arts events should form an integral part of national programmes aimed at combating stigma and promoting good mental health.
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Biopsychosocial, human rights-based approach. Mental health extends beyond the boundaries of the healthcare system.
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Open, accessible, safe space. Particular attention is given to ensuring the accessibility of festival content and reducing barriers. Content is curated with a diversity of sensory experiences in mind. No discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, health status, or disability.
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Every voice matters. Equal and distinctive collaboration across the science, health, social, and arts sectors. The cultural programme is developed using participatory methods, integrated with research on impact and benefit to health and wellbeing. The aim is to reduce the boundary between audiences, participants, and artists.
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Accessibility principles: accessibility standards and the formats required are constantly evolving; the barriers experienced differ for every individual. We will not achieve full accessibility for everyone, and so we do not claim to — but we strive to respond to audience needs through diverse formats and to enable as broad a section of society as possible to participate in the festival programme.