Calling all service user artists

Leading mental health charity Mind has launched an exciting new art project that will showcase the creative works of service users/survivors. M.A.D. art - making a difference will unite the artworks of people who have experienced mental distress into a single installation at the Truman Brewery, East London in September.

The concept of the installation will be to use the metaphor of a journey through mental distress and the psychiatric system. It will be a participatory and interactive experience for visitors aimed at increasing understanding and awareness about mental health problems.

There are no restrictions on what can be contributed, as Mind wants the installation to show the diversity of mental distress. People are encouraged to express themselves freely in whatever means they prefer whether it’s painting, sculpture, poetry or sound.

Steering group Chairman, Peter Beresford said:

"When I first had the idea of a survivor-led arts installation, I thought of the contribution we as mental health service users can make in society and how we could bring beauty and inspiration out of the pain and barriers we experience. Since then we have involved a diverse range of mental health service users/survivors to realise visions of their own experiences."

Artist, Monika Dutta, has been selected to co-ordinate the contributions and create the final installation. With personal experience of mental distress and as a survivor she says:

"Since starting work on the project I have received numerous contributions and enquiries from individuals commenting on how happy they are to have such an opportunity for expression in this way. I hope the final installation work will be thought provoking and challenge preconceptions about mental health and community arts".

M.A.D. art - making a difference is being led by a group of people who have direct experience of mental distress. They have consulted over 50 service users/survivors from diverse backgrounds on ideas for the theme of the installation.

How to contribute to M.A.D. art - making a difference

Artists are encouraged to use whatever materials or methods they feel most comfortable with, such as:

• photographs
• painting or drawing
• video
• DVD collage or mixed media
• sound - tape, CD, DAT, MP3 etc
• Braille
• performance art
• text - poetry or written prose
• textile - sewing, printed cloth etc.

Artists may contribute more than one item.

Artists may accompany their work with a written description if they wish.

Mind has a small fund available to support contributors with materials or the delivery of their artwork. If artists have any concerns about the cost, size, delivery of their work or just need some guidance please contact Mind’s Campaigns Coordinator Sally Reichardt on 020 8215 2323 or email s.reichardt@mind.org.uk.

The deadline for contributions to the art installation is Tuesday 31 July 2007.

Contributions to the art installation should be sent to: M.A.D. art, High Bonwick Cottage, Bewholme, Driffield, YO25 8EE or emailed to: monika@fognet.org.

More information about M.A.D. art - making a difference can be found at www.mind.org.uk/madart.

Notes to Editors

Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. We work to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress. To find out more about Mind visit: www.mind.org.uk

Please note that Mind is not an acronym and should be set in title case.

For press enquiries please contact Alison Kerry on 020 8522 1743 or email press@mind.org.uk