THE fifth Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival kicks off this weekend, from Saturday 1st October, in various venues across Scotland. From 1-24 October, nearly 270 events exploring mental health and well-being will take place in areas including Glasgow, Edinburgh & Lothian, Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire and Forth Valley.
Says a spokesperson: “We aim to reach as many people as possible and build connections within communities, with events taking place not only in cinemas, theatres, museums and galleries but in local libraries, cafes, town halls and hospitals.
“The festival’s diverse array of events is designed to get people thinking and talking about mental health, to challenge stigma and raise awareness, and to improve well-being.
“We have thought-provoking plays and film screenings; uplifting concerts and contemporary dance performances; inclusive workshops and author events for all ages.
“Costs are kept low and many events are free to ensure that everyone can enjoy being a part of the festival.”
Coming up in the first week of the festival:
* From Ross-shire with Love – Isle of Skye – Sat 1st Oct – A fashion show with costumes and accessories inspired by James Bond 007. Organized by Rag Tag ‘n’ Textile, a social enterprise that supports and encourages the personal growth of vulnerable adults through training.
* The Hope of Diamonds – Fife – Mon 3rd Oct – Authors, Iain Banks and Mary Gibbon, will appear at the launch of The Hope of Diamonds poetry anthology. This is accompanied by the Reflections Exhibition which includes contributions from survivors of sexual abuse.
* Samples: Emma Scott-Smith – Forth Valley – Mon 3rd – Mon 31st October – Painter, Emma Scott-Smith, is researching at Stirling University how art can be used as a tool to stimulate critical discussion of mental illness. This exhibition showcases samples of her large artworks.
* KIN – various locations in Glasgow– Mon 3rd-Fri 7th Oct – A play by Donna Rutherford exploring the changing relationship between middle-aged children and their ageing parents.
* Marry Waterson and Oliver Knight – Glasgow – Tue 4th Oct – Marry and Oliver are the children of celebrated singer Lal Waterson and highly respected folk artists in their own right.
* Heavy Load – Lanarkshire – Wed 5th Oct – Brighton punk band, Heavy Load, are made up of musicians with and without a learning disability.
* 2h:9m:37s – Inverclyde – Thu 6th Oct – A forty-minute performance based on one man’s real life experience of insomnia. Directed by Mark Coleman and starring Kris Haddow.
* A Day in the Life – Edinburgh – Sat 8th Oct – Artist Marie-Louise Plum leads a creative cartooning workshop.
Information, interviews and images available upon request. Please contact:
Eddie Harrison
Communications officer
0141 572 0413 / 07811 335 932
littlewritingmachine@gmail.com
MEDIA RELEASE posted by the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Eddie Harrison
