That’s a wrap

THE 2020 Art of the Minds Festival has come to a close following a month packed with more than 30 events.

In 2020, the festival embraced the theme “Gratitude” with a remarkable collaboration between the festival and many local partners culminating in a vibrant celebration and education about mental health and wellbeing.

President of Art of the Minds Jules Haddock, a sought-after mental health educator and passionate about sharing her knowledge with our community, is proud of the group’s achievement in the face of the pandemic.

“It was important to us to find connection and sense of togetherness when we prepared for the festival throughout the different stages of restrictions and we are proud to say that the success of this year’s festival is a tribute to the passion and creativity of our committee of volunteers, local businesses, artists and contributors in the arts and mental health network, who once again have raised the bar and developed high quality, meaningful and memorable events for our community,” she said.

“The strength of the festival’s program continues to build year on year and is testament to the caring community we live in.”

For the first time, the festival included a program aimed to engage children and teenagers in conversations about mental wellbeing. This included a mindful colouring-in activity and virtual wildlife sessions with the Surf Coast’s Widlife Xposure.

Torquay College too jumped on board and embraced this year’s mindful colouring campaign to involve everyone, including school leaders, teachers, staff and parents to promote mental health and wellbeing in our community.

Artists were also invited to exhibit at this year’s virtual art exhibition, musicians invited to enter the annual Surf Coast Song Contest and professionals in the mental health and wellbeing space joined the conversation to facilitate educational workshops on topics including the impact of food on mental health, substance use, how to find the right mental health practitioner and much more.

The festival program also offered a weekly education and wellbeing session for the mature-aged, ensuring they too had access to important seminars and relaxation workshops.

“A lot of people have supported us in making this festival a reality – everything from website design, to advertising and support from our local council,” Ms Haddock said.

“We are thrilled to be working with the local community and council to help Art of the Minds create awareness during National Mental Health Months. We will be back again next year and have great plans for an even bigger program.”

For businesses keen to get involved in 2021, contact Art of the Minds via artoftheminds.org.au or via Facebook and Instagram.