Art of the Minds Festival draws near

With more than 30 events on offer, excitement is building for the return of this year’s Art of the Minds Festival to help keep mental health top of mind during National Mental Health Week next month.

“There is only one way to break the stigma of mental illness and that is to talk about it,” Art of the Minds president Jules Haddock said.

The festival boasts an array of free and ticketed events, including live music, dance, golf, trivia, poetry, a community paddle out, art exhibitions, educational workshops, wellness events and much more.

“There is something for everyone on the program. We have invited guest speakers who will share their professional and lived experiences at selected events and we can’t wait to share their knowledge with the community,” Ms Haddock said.

The festival begins with their annual fundraising ball, Shimmer & Shake, at Mt Duneed Estate on October 7, to help raise funds for local charity Foundation 61. Tickets include a three-course meal, drinks package, live music and a jam-packed program to mark the beginning of National Mental Health Week.

Music lovers will also love the return of the Surf Coast Song Contest on October 10 to celebrate World Mental Health Day. The annual event boasts an amazing line-up of exceptional local musicians, who will showcase their “Songs of Hope and Wellbeing”.

Another major event not to be missed is the Big Boys Breakfast at the Torquay Bowls Club on Wednesday, October 11. AFL legend Glenn Manton will speak about his personal life and career to help shine a light on mental health from a male perspective.

As a strengths-based festival, the organisers are proud to have sourced highly renowned international coach and speaker Jeanine Bailey to join the event. Her workshop “Reconnecting to your wise inner leader and purpose” on October 12 will help attendees gain a deeper understanding of how they can cultivate courage and embrace whole-hearted living.

Finally, for those wishing to escape the daily grind and indulge their body and soul, Art of the Minds will offer a guided mindfulness walk along the beach, breathwork workshops, QiGong and yoga mini retreats as well as a still life drawing class.

Mental illness affects one in five Australians and yet it’s a topic rarely spoken about. Join the conversation during this year’s National Mental Health Week.

For full event details, head to artoftheminds.org.au