CURRENT PROJECTS
NI Mental Health Arts Festival has projects throughout the year. Explore them below.
NEW WORKS COMMISSION
The NI Mental Health Arts Festival is delighted to announce our New Works Commission. We will be awarding 6 artists who have lived experience of mental health challenges £2000 to make new artwork.
This is an innovative new project which is aimed at addressing the barriers people with mental health challenges face. This fund is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Ecologies of Care: The Art of Hospitality, Resiliency and Wellness
04/12/25
3.30pm - 5.00pm
Belfast School of Art
Ecologies of Care is a workshop which promotes the curation of care as a socially engaged practice within art, education and civic spaces. It highlights the places where people gather to be rejuvenated and engaged. It will include a presentation that showcases personal and public comfort zones created as artworks that align with arts and health practices.
It is for students, artists, educators, art/engagement curators, mental health professionals, and members of the public. It is designed for those who are interested in exploring how care can be supported by creating spaces of artistic nurture.
The event will also be of interest for people who would like to apply these ideas at home as a wellness routine.
This topic supports access and inclusion in the arts. The event is organised by the Belfast School of Art and the Northern Ireland Mental Health Arts Festival.
For more information and to register please contact Pamela Whitaker, p.whitaker@ulster.ac.uk
Open Decks
Blackbox Belfast
Now a monthly staple in the Black Box’s calendar, and in partnership with NI Mental Health Arts Festival, The Black Box presents a night of Open Decks. Join us for a night of electronic music from early career and aspiring DJs and artists at The Black Box. Free Admission.
Any aspiring DJs who might like to sign up or find out more info can get in touch with us at director@blackboxbelfast.com to find out more.
Poster designed by @luke.reed_
PAST PROJECTS
Poetry in the Park
13/09/25
10.30am - 4.30pm
Crescent Gardens Park, Belfast
Poetry in the Park is a celebration of our small green spaces. On September 13th 2025 we are welcoming everyone to come explore Crescent Gardens Park and discover the link between parks and poetry. With family fun activities, workshops, and a poetry reading session, we are sure this day will leave you inspired.