Mindful.

An arts festival to raise money for Mind's creative therapies fund.

Mind CEO, Paul Farmer and Mind Ambassador and Mindful curator, Stuart Semple at the Old Vic Tunnels.

On the 21 September 2011, a star studded gala dinner at the Imperial War Museum celebrated the launch of Mindful, an exhibition and arts festival at the Old Vic Tunnels.

Some of Britain's biggest names in the art world joined forces for Mindful, curated by Mind Ambassador and British artist, Stuart Semple, to raise money for Mind's creative therapies fund. The arresting exhibition featured work from some incredible artists, all of whom submitted pieces that salute mental health.

Guests navigated their way through the labyrinth of dark tunnels to encounter the art on display. Featuring both contemporary and historic work, art included a piece by Jake and Dinos Chapman, Annie Kevan's portrait of Princess Diana, as well as other public figures reputed to have suffered mental health problems, Mat Collishaw's canvas paintings, and Sebastian Horsley's video of 'The Crucifiction' and series of paintings relating to the event. This was the first public exhibition of this distinctive work since his death in 2010.

Many other iconic artists were also involved and biographies of all exhibitors are available on the website. 

The exhibition kick started funding for the creative therapies fund to support projects enabling those experiencing metal health problems to explore creative forms of expression. The exhibitors also used art as a medium to encourage people to question their own views and associations with mental health and challenge discriminatory attitudes.

The exhibition was open to the public for a week and included not only the exhibition, but an array of day and night time events which took place in the exhibition space within the tunnels, and featured immersive performances, live music, interactive workshops and artist talks.

If you would like to support the creative therapies fund, then please make a donation. Thank you!