Positive impact of creative arts on mental health under discussion at The MAC
6th June, 2025
The transformative power of the arts to support those living with mental health issues was under discussion at a special event held yesterday at The MAC, Belfast.
Hosted by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and jointly funded by The Baring Foundation, the celebration and networking event invited health professionals, artists, arts organisations and organisations working in the field of mental health, to come together to hear how creative based projects can have a positive impact on those living with mental health conditions.
The event was also an opportunity to hear more about the Arts and Mental Health Partnership Programme. Jointly funded by the Arts Council, with support from the National Lottery, and The Baring Foundation, the three-year programme launched last year. Applications are currently open, with grants of up to £20,000 available to develop new arts-based projects that will target people experiencing higher levels of disadvantage or exclusion, including those living with mental health issues, such as addictions, eating disorders, and depression.
Thursday’s event included presentations from some artists and organisations already working in the field of mental health, including Coalisland’s CRAIC Arts Centre, Prime Cut Productions, The MAC and a performance from Aqua Tofana (aka Eva Kearney).
Lorraine Calderwood, Development Officer: Programmes Officer at the Arts Council, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with The Baring Foundation to shine a light on the positive impact that arts and creative projects can have on those living with mental health issues. In designing the Arts and Mental Health Partnership Programme we want to support organisations to deliver meaningful arts-based projects to some of the most vulnerable members of our society. These projects help to open up conversations, provide a network of support for participants and a creative outlet for expression.”
David Cutler, Director of the Baring Foundation, commented: “The Baring Foundation is delighted to continue a long history of partnership funding with the Arts Council Northern Ireland. This funding will help the dynamic arts and community sector in Northern Ireland to continue to recognise the right of people with mental health issues to express themselves through creativity and to challenge stigma.”
For more information on the Arts and Mental Health Partnership Programme and how to apply go to: artscouncil-ni.org/funding. Please note the closing date for the programme is 12 noon Friday 27 June 2025
The Celebration of Arts and Mental Health event was held at The MAC