Public invited to tune in to Mental Health Month Online Art Exhibition
October is Mental Health Month and the Far West LHD is inviting everyone to take part in an online visual art exhibition to help raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing in our communities.
The theme for Mental Health Month 2020 is 'Tune In' and artworks or photographs around this theme can be entered in our online exhibition on the 'Mental Health Month Tune In Art Exhibition' Facebook page.
As well as having your works displayed and helping raise awareness around mental health and wellbeing, there will be prizes awarded in the following categories:
- Overall Winner
- People's Choice
- Best Young Artist (under 25)
- Best Indigenous Art
Sam Jessett, Consumer Engagement Coordinator, Mental Health Drug and Alcohol FWLHD said everyone is encouraged to take part in the exhibition and take to heart the theme 'Tune In' during Mental Health Month by:
- Tune in to your senses - what can you sense right now? What can you feel?
- Tune in to your communities - what's happening that you can be a part of, or that you can help others be a part of?
- Tune in to stigma - how do attitudes and understandings of mental health and wellbeing impact people's ability to live the lives they want?
'We are encouraging everyone to firstly, take a moment to tune in, which can help to still and focus your mind. It can help you understand what's going on for you and others, and appreciate the impact mental wellbeing has in your life' said Sam.
'Secondly, tuning in can help you find a new perspective, and it can help you reflect and be present. It can help build self-awareness, help make effective choices, reduce the impact of worry, and build positive connections.
'Lastly, tuning in to communities and the impact of mental health stigma can help ensure that people who need support have safe places to talk about their experiences and reach out.'
'I hope that everyone takes the opportunity to 'Tune In' and show us their artistic talents by taking part in our exhibition,' said Sam.
To enter email your artworks to samantha.jessett@health.nsw.gov.au Artworks can be submitted up until 23 October and winners will be announced on 1 November 2020. Conditions of entry are on the Facebook page.