Mental health and art: Minds do Matter exhibition opens this week

Image: The Topography of Emotion, Warwick Campbell, 2020. 

Media release issued Friday 1 October 2021

The Minds do Matter exhibition is back for another year at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery at Inveresk.

Produced by RANT Arts and QVMAG, Minds do Matter celebrates the relationship between mental health and art and is designed to spark a conversation about mental health in Tasmania.

Coinciding with Mental Health Week, the exhibition features works by Tasmanian artists inspired by the 2021 theme 'Connect'.

City of Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the exhibition offered a great opportunity to check in with those around us while supporting a range of talented local artists.

"Exhibitions like Minds do Matter are extremely important to our community as they provide an opportunity to discuss sometimes difficult topics such as mental health," Mayor van Zetten said.

"Art is a powerful way for many in our community to express themselves, supporting a healthy mental outlet.

"Not only does it support stronger awareness and education about mental health within our community, it shines the spotlight on some of our incredibly talented Tasmanian artists."

Acting General Manager of Creative Arts and Culture Dan Ryan said he was delighted with the opportunity to support a range of talented local artists.

"Minds do Matter is a vibrant and thought-provoking display of works that has gained a reputation as a must-see exhibition at QVMAG due to its diverse display of works across a range of immersive mediums," Mr Ryan said.

"Each work has a unique story to share, allowing visitors to wander through the exhibition to experience diverse perspectives on mental health across our community.

"Many of the works from the exhibition are available for sale, creating a brilliant opportunity to support local Tasmanian talent and further develop their artistic careers."

RANT Arts chairperson, Dave mangenner Gough said, “Minds Do Matter celebrates community expression on the importance of mental well-being and really demonstrates how art empowers us, teaches us and brings us all together.”

Minds do Matter will be on show at QVMAG Inveresk (2 Invermay Road, Launceston) from 2 October to 5 December 2021.