Artists from across the Highlands are coming together with Centred Scotland to explore the impact of mental ill-health through a unique exhibition at the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival.
A group of artists are collaborating with the charity Centred Scotland in an innovative arts project, for the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Highland using this year’s Reflections theme, to highlight the issue.
Completed works will now be exhibited as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival’s 20th Anniversary at Eden Court Theatre from Monday 5th to Wednesday 28th October.
The exhibition will move to Thurso in Caithness from November through to December.
The group of artists pieces will then return to Inverness for display in the Eastgate Shopping Centre where Centred is based before being auctioned off to raise funds for the charity.
The first artist to get involved in the campaign was emerging artist Daye Allen, who was the sole Highlands representative to showcase his work at the prestigious Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh earlier this year. The annual exhibition showcases the most promising emerging talent in Scotland.
Other creative pieces have been produced by renowned sculptor Helen Denerley, jewellery designer Lindsey Gallacher and fashion designer Jordan Fergusson.
Helen creates extraordinary sculptures using scrap metal most notably her striking scrap metal giraffes which are displayed on Leith Walk in Edinburgh.
Lindsey is a Scottish jeweller and artist creating jewellery from Caithness stone and beach pebbles with her artwork inspired by the region.
Both Helen and Lindsey bring unique 3D sculptures with the reflection theme to this year’s festival.
Jordan is the mastermind behind Fergusson, a fashion brand that aims to celebrate Scotland, rather than the humility Scots are often know for. From Inverness, Jordan uses his designs to celebrate inclusion, sustainability and his Highland roots.
In addition to the artists, two exclusive signed t-shirts will also feature at the festival each of which signed by the three lead stars in the movie The Incomer. The quirky comedy stars Domhnall Gleeson, Gayle Rankin and Grant O’Rourke which has been shown in cinemas in Scotland, the UK and beyond since September. The movie has been a critical success, whilst also winning the Next Innovator Award at the Sundance Film Festival.
It means the exhibition will feature works from artists from as far north as Centred operates in Caithness down to Inverness where the charity is based.
Daye Allan commented, “Creative practice is a lifeline that should be taken very seriously. There have been plenty of nights that would have been my last if I hadn’t spent them painting. As a survivor of C-PTSD, I’m honoured that the amazing ‘Centred’ invited me to channel my experience into work that I hope spurs empathy and resonance.
“Creativity is what makes us human, yet “artist” is scarcely considered a serious or productive lifepath anymore. The trivialisation of creativity has led to rampant AI-generated imagery in place of curiosity and patience for our fellow humans. Whether creating or experiencing art, the direct connection with mental health is vastly undervalued. It’s time to change that.”
Centred Scotland CEO, David Brookfield, said, “Centred is excited to announce a powerful new creative arts project, for the 20th anniversary of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. The project brings together diverse artists from across the Highlands to explore mental ill-health through visual art.
“These individuals, some of whom carry personal experience of mental health and inclusion challenges, have created striking works of art that reflect their unique journeys.
“These depictions of reflections of mental health are truly thought provoking. We hope they encourage people to think about what mental health means to individuals and communities, and to talk more openly about it.”
Donna Murray, Project Officer for the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Highland, said, “I’m delighted to see artists from across the Highlands coming together to explore this year’s Reflections theme through such powerful and personal creative work. Art has a unique ability to open up conversations around mental health, creating space for people to share experiences, challenge stigma and find connection. We’re pleased to be working with Centred Scotland to give these artists a platform as part of this year’s festival, with their work helping to raise vital funds to support the charity’s valuable work across the Highlands.”