Why Art?

We use art to challenge conventions, demand attention and revolutionise mental health attitudes and services

Art as Therapy

Creating art serves as a therapeutic process and unlike the rigidity of clinical narratives it allows for the fluidity of emotions and perspectives. It challenges scientific authority by emphasising the depth and complexity of human emotions, defying quantification and categorisation. While psychiatry, clinical and academic psychology seeks objective, categorical and replicable solutions, art can embrace the subjective, the uncertain and the affective. Through art, individuals can break free from the confines of language and convey their inner worlds. This also makes it accessible to those who struggle with words. It not only enables personal expression but also fosters connection and solidarity among individuals who find solace and meaning in the creations of others.

Art has always held a profound connection with human emotions, expression, and the pursuit of societal transformation. It is a realm where imagination thrives and where the boundaries of reality are pushed beyond conventional limits. Wielding colour, words, and imagination to challenge societal norms and demand change. It can ignite revolutions of thought and action, inspiring movements that redefine the very fabric of our existence.

Art as Subversion

Zines are small-circulation self-published magazines representing a form of art that continues to subvert mainstream narratives and challenge hegemonic ideas. These grassroots publications, often DIY in nature, flourish on the fringes of society, offering a platform for marginalised voices to be heard. Activist zine-makers, such as the feminist 'riot grrrl' punks of the 1990s, have effectively bypassed traditional gatekeepers and systemic barriers in the arts and media industries. Zines offer an opportunity to challenge psychiatric power by presenting counter-narratives to mainstream mental health knowledge, providing a platform for diverse experiences and alternative perspectives.

Art as Protest

Protest art stands as a resounding testament to the indomitable spirit of human resilience in the face of adversity. It serves as a powerful tool for social and political activism, starting conversations, challenging conventions, giving voice to questions that demand answers, and calling for change.

In a world where individuals grapple with a range of societal injustices, from psychiatric coercion to benefit cuts and austerity measures, protest art emerges as a force of catharsis and defiance. From filmmaking and painting, to poetry and music, artists channel their experiences and emotions, giving voice to the marginalised and oppressed.

Protest art transcends the confines of traditional discussion, opting for a language of pure expression. It speaks to the heart and soul, making an impact on both creators and viewers. It is a means to navigate the tumultuous waters of having mental health difficulties alongside the distress of navigating a support system that was built not to support them, but to benefit those in power. Art can be a lifeline for those who have faced into the terrifying abyss of isolation and disempowerment.

Protest art is not merely an act of creation; it is a vehicle for survival and resilience. It connects individuals in a shared struggle, fostering a sense of solidarity and community. Ultimately, protest art is a force that refuses to be silenced. It defies oppression, discrimination, and violence, standing as a beacon of hope and a call to action. In a world fraught with injustices, it reminds us that the power to effect change lies within ourselves and our communities, waiting to be shared in a way that makes it difficult to look away.

Art as Anti-Art

Art often grapples with gatekeeping, where established artists and institutions treat their craft like an exclusive club, resistant to newcomers without formal training. This mentality stems from a desire to protect standards but stifles creativity and diversity. Art should be a space where fresh perspectives thrive, uninhibited by rigid expectations. Many renowned artists emerged from unconventional backgrounds. Rebel, self-taught and outsider artists contribute unique experiences and viewpoints that do not need qualifications to be valid. Artistic gatekeeping limits the democratising power of art and forgets its revolutionary potential to create change. By welcoming all expressions, we place value in all creativity and see art as universal language that is accessible to everyone.

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