Mind festival kicks off for mental health

ART of the Minds activities in honour of Mental Health Week kick off this Saturday with the HOPE Art exhibition at Eagles Nest Gallery Aireys Inlet.

David Turnbull from Mental Health Foundation Australia will open the works as part of the arts and mental wellbeing celebrations running October 7-13.

The official shire launch will take place Sunday October 8 with Surf Coast mayor Brian McKiterick opening the HOPE song written by Janet Brown.

Anglesea Performing Arts will sing the lyrics comprised of stories from those living with mental illness and their hope in recovery.

Torquay College will host a mental wellbeing art adventure day on October 9 with attendees encouraged to partake in creative street chalk drawing.

Festival facilitator Jules Haddock said the activities combined art and mental wellbeing because of the way creativity benefited those experience mental health issues.

“We take for granted going to the movies or reading a book, all of those components help us escape into a mindful place,” Ms Haddock said.

“Often art helps us work through toxic thoughts and emotions in a positive way.

“It often acts as a mind-filling device and given anxiety is the leading mental illness in Australia we need to learn how to quieten our minds and art is a great way to do that.”

In its third year, the festival, which began as a solo exhibit has extended into a week-long event which Ms Haddock hopes they can sustain long-term for benefit of the Surf Coast.

Other activities include stories of recovery, carer’s perspectives and insight into mental health research presently being conducted by Barwon Health and Deakin University.

There will also be a film festival, open mic and comedy night and dinner and show at the Surf Coast Hotel with closing celebrations offering up activities for all including yoga and beach art.

For more information, email Jules Haddock [email protected].