Arty mind, healthy mind

A Surf Coast health event has evolved into a powerful community conversation centred on mental wellbeing.

Showcasing Surf Coast and regional artists in a week full of community-based activities, Art of the Minds forges connections with all community members from young to old.

Through creative art-based conversations, including theatre, song, visual arts, music, beach sculptures, film, family events and an exciting education event, this festival provides the community with the right to talk about mental illness.

This year will be the second Art of the Minds festival, with organisers hoping for its continuation during National Mental Health week each year.

Facilitated by the owner of The Anxious Bird, Jules Haddock, the festival’s organising group comprises members from the local Surf Coast community and is proudly supported by many local organisations and businesses including the Surf Coast Shire, Barwon Health, Barwon Water, RACV, and the Surf Coast Hotel.

Jules said she launched her first exhibition The Anxious Bird three years ago, featuring works representing her experiences with mental illness.

A year later she ran an exhibition involving 60 artists with an educational element on mental illness which has now turned into the Arts of the Mind festival.

“I can’t believe that this has turned into a week of art events with two theatre shows, an open mic night, another exhibition, and a bigger educational event with service support, plus much more.

“Barwon Health and Surf Coast shire have jumped on board and made one of the plays the official launch of mental health week.

“The Mental Health Foundation of Australia will be launching the event on October 7 at the Eagles Nest gallery in Aireys Inlet.”

The Art of the Minds will run from October 7-15 with a theme of Hope in Recovery.

For more information, head to theanxiousbird.com.au or follow the Art of the Minds on Facebook.