A festival for the mind

Art, music, education and performance combine in the sixth annual Art of the Minds Festival to explore mental health with a creative flair.

Tackling big topics such as men’s mental health, body image perceptions as well our dreams for the future, the festival is set to transform the way we think and feel about mental health through immersive experiences, art exhibitions, live music events, educational panel discussions and more.

“The Art of the Minds festival aims to create community conversations and connections to increase our shared knowledge about mental health, reduce stigma and promote our general wellbeing,” Art of the Minds president Jules Haddock said.

Visitors can expect to be inspired by performers, event hosts and presenters who will share their personal stories about their mental health struggles.

“Through the sharing of lived experiences, we can highlight some of the trauma but also the road to recovery and importance of hope. The festival is a safe, inclusive and creative space, where everyone is welcome and allowed to share as much or as little as they want,” Ms Haddock said.

To kick-start the festival on Saturday (October 1) Lukey Luke and the Dukes will take to the stage at Mt Duneed Estate to celebrate the beginning of Mental Health Month. A major fundraising event for Foundation 61, the event will shed light on mental illness and the supports available to help people on their journey of recovery.

The annual art exhibition is going to make a triumphant return. More than 70 artists have entered to display their ‘Dreams for the future’.

Over the years, this event has seen artists impacted by mental illness express their thoughts and insight into their individual recovery, wellbeing and therapy.

“We are thrilled to have received that much interest in our exhibition,” Ms Haddock said.

For artists and visitors alike, the event is a fantastic way for our community to reflect on their own mental health and become more aware of the mental health of others.

For the first time, the festival is also offering events dedicated to the mental wellbeing of children, adolescents and families. There will be an Open Mic for Kids and Youth, and creative events designed to teach children healthy ways to self-regulate and process big feelings.

“Creativity and vulnerability continue to be recurring themes and we are thankful for the many event contributors, who have offered to talk about their own mental health journeys,” Ms Haddock said.

The Art of the Minds festival will be presented by local artists, guest speakers and organisations, including:

• Majak Daw – ex-AFL player for Melbourne and North Melbourne
• Wayne Wigham – ex-NRL player and speaker for the Black Dog Institute in Sydney
• Kristy Steenhuis – representative for the Standby Support After Suicide national service
• Rob Lytzki – founder of Foundation 61, and
• Chris Mackey – award-winning clinical psychologist.

And there is more! With more than 20 events to choose from, this year’s National Mental Health Week will be one to remember.

For full festival program and tickets, head to the website at artoftheminds.org.au.

// Sponsored Content