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2022 MHAW Award Categories

Mental Health Art Works! is an art exhibition with a difference. It provides people whose lives have been affected by mental illness the opportunity to use art as a form of expression and engages the community in a better understanding of mental health issues.

Each year, a range of awards are presented at the Opening Presentation to recognise artists in a diverse range of categories.

Award Categories:

  • First Nations – identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
  • Pride in Diversity – identifies as LGBTQIA+
  • Art of Cultures – multicultural background
  • Wisdom in Aging – older persons
  • Emergency Services and Defence Personnel – currently or previously worked as a doctor, nurse, paramedic, police officer, fire fighter, SES, first responder, etc; or have served in the army, navy or airforce
  • Youth – school aged children
  • Young Adults – late teens and early 20’s
  • Carers – provide care and support to family members and friends who have a mental illness
  • Young Carers – school aged or young adult providing care and support to family members and friends who have a mental illness
  • Creativity/General entry – anyone who does not fall into any of the above categories
  • Gallery Encouragement – chosen by Gosford Regional Gallery
  • Viewer’s Choice – voted by visitors to the exhibition

 

General Eligibility Criteria:

The following eligibility criteria applies to artworks entered in the exhibition:

  • Artwork previously exhibited in a Mental Health Art Works! Exhibition are not eligible
  • A limit of one artwork per artist applies
  • The artwork must be created by:
    • a person with a lived experience of mental illness
    • a family member, friend or carer of a person with a mental illness
    • a volunteer or person who works with people with a lived experience of mental illness
  • a carer is defined as a family member, friend, neighbour, or other community member who provides regular or intermittent support for someone who has a mental illness
  • CCPC staff are eligible to enter but are not eligible for awards