Encouraging a conversation about mental health through art

Image from left to right: RANT Arts Co-Director Kitty Taylor, Pathways Manager Karen Revie, Co-Director Nathan Tucker and Mayor Albert van Zetten.

The Minds do Matter exhibition will once again open its doors to the community this October at the Museum at Inveresk, encouraging conversation of mental health awareness across northern Tasmania.

Produced in collaboration between RANT Arts and QVMAG, Minds do Matter coincides with Mental Health Week 2022 and celebrates the relationship between mental health and art.

Featuring works by Tasmanian artists inspired by the 2022 theme 'Courage', this community favourite will feature works across a range of mediums and techniques.

City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the exhibition was a great addition to our city's annual arts calendar.

"I look forward to this exhibition each year and exploring the works featured," Mayor van Zetten said.

"It’s a great platform for both emerging and well-known artists to share their art and encourage a conversation about mental health those who visit."

General Manager of Creative Arts and Cultural Services, Shane Fitzgerald, said the annual exhibition provides a great space for conversation and learning within the community.

"This exhibition provides an important platform for artists across Tasmania to share their own mental health journey through artistic expression," Fitzgerald said.

"At times, creative practice can be isolating for many artists. To be able to create a space for conversation to take place is vital, and this exhibition does exactly that.

"It's a great way for our community to have a conversation as part of Mental Health Week 2022 and I encourage everyone to take a moment to explore this space with their friends and family."

Image: Minds do Matter feature artist Vanessa Henry.

Co-director of RANT Arts Nathan Tucker said prioritising mental health and well-being in our regional communities is incredibly important.

"This year over 184 artists have contributed to the Minds Do Matter exhibition, which is an incredible effort," Tucker said.

"We are grateful to the artists for the positive community impact they foster through their creative contributions and the important conversations that follow.'

RANT Arts Pathways Manager Karen Review said it's great to see another year of fantastic local artists on display.

"It's great to see the ongoing support of the community for this annual exhibition," Revie said.

"In 2021, the Minds Do Matter exhibition at QVMAG won the Tasmanian Resilient Australia Community Award and in 2022 was a recipient of a City of Launceston Community Event Award, so we're excited to welcome this exhibition once again in 2022."

Minds do Matter will be on show at the Museum at Inveresk from October 1 through to December 11.

Issued 30 September 2022.