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