Art exhibition shines a light on mental health

The annual Minds do Matter exhibition opens its doors to the community this weekend at the Museum at Inveresk, encouraging conversations about mental health across northern Tasmania.

A collaboration between RANT Arts and QVMAG, Minds do Matter opens during Mental Health Week 2024 in Tasmania and celebrates the relationship between mental health and art.  

In 2024, Minds Do Matter features a range of works created in response to the theme ‘Shine: Appreciate the little things'. The exhibition creates an important creative platform for Tasmanian artists to explore the relationship between mental health and art, while sharing their experiences with the wider community.

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the annual exhibition creates a valuable opportunity for northern Tasmanians to talk about mental health.

“The therapeutic and thought-provoking nature of the creative arts is incredibly important,” Mayor Garwood said. “While there are many within our community who struggle with mental health, it’s vital to realise that mental wellbeing is about everyone. This exhibition gives everyone an opportunity to open up and talk about it”.

“I encourage everyone to make time to visit this great display and bring their family or mates along.”

General Manager, Creative Arts and Cultural Services Shane Fitzgerald said Minds Do Matter creates a space for community dialogue and celebrates the power of art in supporting positive mental health.

“Our institution is a hub for our community, and it’s important for us to facilitate conversations,” said Fitzgerald. “We're proud to collaborate with RANT Arts on this project each year and congratulate all the artists featured in the exhibition.”

RANT Arts Chairperson Dave mangenner Gough said Minds Do Matter demonstrates the importance of arts and creativity to the health and wellbeing of our regional communities.

“Minds Do Matter is about raising community awareness and showcasing individual stories and journeys. From personal experiences to creative passion, advocacy and hopes for the future, this statewide exhibition brings us together to share, learn and celebrate,” Gough said.

RANT Arts Pathways Program Manager and Minds Do Matter Project Manager Karen Revie said it is wonderful to see the ongoing support of the community for this annual exhibition.

“This year, over 225 artists have contributed to the exhibition with many sharing stories about personal lived experiences that celebrate overcoming adversity,” said Revie.

“When you visit the exhibition, we encourage you to think about how we can all support each other as individuals, as families and as a community to talk openly about how mental health is important for everyone.”

Minds Do Matter is open daily from 28 September to 1 December 2024 at the Museum at Inveresk and entry is free. 

Issued 27 October 2024.