You developed your thoughts regarding the transformative power of the arts and its positive impact on mental health. That knowledge is then transferred to the Mental Health Arts Festival?
I believe through actively being creative there is a giant in all of us. My work in education, the prison system and the arts and cultural sector proves that without a shadow of a doubt.
Regarding the Northern Ireland Mental Health Arts Festival, I think it is the most important festival in that it brings together two key things, the importance of self-expression and the importance of our state of mind.
Without good mental health we cannot function, whether in our relationships with our family, our friends, or whether it is our relationship with the economy. When people are well, feel fulfilled and engaged with the world, they will thrive. In the face of adversity they will be able to develop the tools to withstand the impact of difficult times. That is another element of my approach, the need for self-compassion.
There are all sorts of difficulties at the moment, the world at large, wars, the environment, the post Covid fall-out, our economy, particularly our health system which is under tremendous pressure; all of these issues impact us on a daily basis. This festival is part of building resilience, of encouraging lifelong learning, of challenging stigma about our mental health and within that orientation, utilising the arts and creative activities as a catalyst for change.
And when does the festival take place?
The festival takes place, starting on the 9th May through to the 20th May and the theme is CathARTSis.
There will be symposiums in Belfast and Derry and there will events happening right across Northern Ireland throughout the period of the festival.
