Art of the Minds Festival launches 2021 program

THE Surf Coast’s annual Art of the Minds Mental Health Festival will return in October with a jam-packed program, which organisers are describing as its most ambitious to date.

The festival will feature music, visual art, education and wellness events presented by local artists and professionals.

Presented by not-for-profit charity Art of the Minds, the festival has grown into the biggest and most significant mental health awareness festival in the region, driving awareness of and creative responses to mental health during National Mental Health Month.

Art of the Minds president Jules Haddock said she was passionate about sharing resilience-focused messages throughout the festival and was proud to support and engage the Surf Coast community in this way.

“Our program aims to create community connections and to get people thinking and talking about mental health,” she said.

“The festival is also supported by local musicians with a series of events taking place throughout October to celebrate music as a communal experience.

“We can also confirm that we have back-up plans in place should events not be able to proceed due to COVID-19-related restrictions and that we will be offering full ticket refunds should events be cancelled.”

With more than 20 events on offer, many of which are free, the festival is a celebration of all things mental health and the community is being encouraged to get involved.

The annual Surf Coast Song Contest is now open for entries and calling for musicians to submit their songs of ‘Hope and Wellbeing’ for a chance to win a recording of their song. Songs must be submitted by September 20.

This year’s resilience-themed art exhibition is inviting artists to celebrate strength and community spirit given the challenges we’ve faced over the past year. Artist registrations are open until September 17.

Another highlight on the program is this year’s Starry Starry Night Ball, an awareness raising celebration for Mental Health Month that also operates as a fundraiser to support local charity and live-in community Foundation61.

For those seeking a break from the daily grind, the festival’s day-long 3 Treasures Wellness Retreat is packed with music, Qi Gong, movement to breath, yoga, guided meditation, yin yoga, chanting and a delightful bath of healing.

For Lorne-based residents, a free mental health first aid course is also on offer, where participants learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and learn the skills to feel confident and able to help.

There is a lot more, thanks to the generous support from local businesses and professionals, including free yoga classes, education events, wellness programs and activities involving schools and families.

With less than two months to go until the festival kicks off and bookings limited per event, head to the Art of the Minds website for full program information and to secure tickets.