David Hoyle
Liverpool Mental Health Festival returns in October, Getintothis’ Cath Bore explores the range of events, artists and organisations teaming up this year.
Liverpool Mental Health Festival returns October 10-14 with a range of free events for its biggest line up yet.
The eighth LMH Festival launch night is at the Philharmonic Hall and will be hosted by avant-garde performance artist David Hoyle.
Articipation, a wellbeing forum for those within the creative industries, features live performances from the likes of Stealing Sheep and takes place at Constellations.
The festival is organised by the Liverpool Mental Health Consortium, set up back in in 1995 to dispel myths and challenge stigma surrounding mental health. It raises awareness at events such as World Mental Health Day and Mad Pride, and collaborates with Liverpool festivals such as Africa Oyé.
Stealing Sheep at EBGBs
Claire Stevens from Liverpool Mental Health Consortium said “This year’s free Liverpool Mental Health Festival builds on the success of previous years, as well as taking us into new territory based on this year’s collaboration with other fantastic local festivals.
We want to promote the links between creativity & good mental health, whilst also pointing people to sources of support for the times when they’re not feeling so good.”
All events are free and open to all.
Highlights so far, with more details on each one to be announced soon:
10 October: Opening Night Extravaganza: The Music Room, Philharmonic Hall
The Opening Night programme, hosted by avant-garde performance artist, David Hoyle, is packed with acts representing each of the festivals that the Consortium has worked with throughout the year.
11 October: Art Exhibition Launch (open until 7 January 2019): The Brink
The Festival’s annual art exhibition presents pieces from Merseyside artists, this year responding to the theme The Art of Falling Apart and includes newly-commissioned work created by Irish traveller women, in partnership with Liverpool Irish Festival, Irish Community Care Merseyside, & internationally acclaimed photographer, Jona Frank.
11 October: Film Night: FACT
The Festival’s ever-popular film night will show ‘Adult Life Skills’ with Jodie Whittaker, alongside short films with a wellbeing theme by & about local people. Including films resulting from the Consortium’s own film project in partnership with Iron Lung.
12 October: Feelgood Friday: Bluecoat
Feelgood Friday at the Bluecoat brings the community together to improve wellbeing with taster sessions including yoga, capoeira, art, music and dance; the opportunity to chat to local support organisations; and the chance to enjoy stunning acts from local bands and performers.
13 October: Articipation – A Wellbeing Forum for the Arts & Creative Industries: Constellations
New to the Festival for 2018, this event will bring together musicians, performers, visual artists, craftspeople/ makers, arts administrators & managers to discuss wellbeing in the arts & creative industries. Following the Forum, Stealing Sheep will headline a night of live music.
14th October: TranScripts Showcase: Museum of Liverpool, Liverpool Waterfront, Pier Head, Liverpool
This Festival’s final event will launch the TranScripts anthology, showcasing work from a creative writing course.
Singer-songwriter, musician, producer, composer and GIT Award winner 2016 Bill Ryder-Jones joins the line up again as a Festival Patron as well as internationally renowned, contemporary artists, The Singh Twins, who have supported the Festival since 2015 as Patrons of the Art Exhibition.
[paypal-donation]
