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. Eligibility criteria per category is defined below.
Eligibility by Award Category
Mental Health Creativity Award – Sponsored by Central Coast Local Health District – Mental Health Service
All entries are eligible for this award and a judging panel will determine the finalists.
Viewer’s Choice Award – Sponsored by Central Coast Primary Care
All entries are eligible for this award and exhibition visitors will determine the finalists. Visitors will have an opportunity to cast a vote for the artwork they believe should win this award. The artwork with the most nominations will be the winner. The winner of this award will be notified following the event.
Wisdom in Ageing Award – Sponsored by Baptist Care Orana Centre
To be eligible for this award, you must meet the general eligibility criteria and be aged 60 years of age and over.
Young Persons Award – Sponsored by Brisbane Waters Private Hospital
To be eligible for this award, you must meet the general eligibility criteria and be aged 24 years of age and under.
Indigenous Award – Sponsored by The Glen
To be eligible for this award, you must meet the general eligibility criteria and identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.
Pride in Diversity Award – Sponsored by Brisbane Waters Private Hospital
To be eligible for this award, you must meet the general eligibility criteria and identify as an LGBTIQ+ person.
Central Coast Carers Award – Sponsored by Central Coast Local Health District – Carer Support
To be eligible for this award, you must meet the general eligibility criteria of a carer.
Central Coast Young Carers Award – Sponsored by Dinky Di Children’s Learning Centres
To be eligible for this award, you must meet the general eligibility criteria of a carer and be aged 24 years of age and under.
The Art of Cultures Award – Sponsored by the Hunter, New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network
To be eligible for this award, you must meet the general eligibility criteria and be from a multicultural background.
Gallery Encouragement Award – Sponsored by Gosford Regional Gallery
All entries are eligible for this award and a judging panel will determine the finalists.
General Eligibility Criteria
The following eligibility criteria applies to artworks entered in the exhibition:
- Artwork previously exhibited in a Mental Health Art Works! Exhibition will NOT be eligible to be entered again.
- 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 of a person with a mental illness
- a carer of a person with a mental illness
- a friend of a person with a mental illness
- a volunteer who works with people with a lived experience of mental illness
- A carer is defined as a family member, friend, neighbour or other community members who provides regular or intermittent support for someone who has a mental illness.
- Current CCPC staff are able to enter the exhibition but will not be eligible for awards.