Artists are invited to submit artworks that respond to the theme of resilience.
Almost half of all Australians will experience some form of mental illness in their lifetime but sharing the stories and experiences of those in recovery can provide a sense of connection and hope – and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
With this in mind, artists from across the ACT and New South Wales are invited to submit artworks responding to the theme of Resilience for an open-call exhibition at Gungaderra Homestead during Mental Health Month this October.
Resilience speaks of strength and recovery, but also acknowledges that this is a continuous process and often not a linear one. Artists of all ages, viewpoints and levels of experience are invited to share their interpretations of what resilience means to them – either through telling a part of their own story through their art, or by responding to the idea more broadly.
Artists can submit unframed works up to A3 in size which respond to the theme of resilience.
Artworks might reflect recovery from a period of mental illness, celebrate the little things that keep you going or document part of an emotional journey, but really, all interpretations of this theme are encouraged. Entries are welcomed from artists working in any stage of their creative practice – be it as a professional or hobbyist.
The resulting exhibition will celebrate the many different ways that we as individuals cope with difficult times, and acknowledge the importance of sharing stories and experience in creating a strong and supportive community for us all. It aims to create a space for visitors to reflect on their own strategies of resilience, however big or small they might be.
Resilience will be launched with an opening night celebration at Gungaderra Homestead from 6 pm on Friday 18 October. The opening will feature local live music, drinks and nibbles as well as Head Slam: Poetry on the Mind and in the Brain – a mental health poetry slam presented by Red Flag Canberra.
Head Slam: Poetry on the Mind and in the Brain will be presented as part of the opening event for the Resilience exhibition.
The exhibition will then be open for viewing from 10 am-4 pm on Saturday 19th October and from 10 am-2 pm on Sunday 20th.
Resilience is presented by Belconnen Arts Centre’s Gungahlin Arts Program and This Is My Brave Australia. Head Slam is presented by Red Flag Canberra and the project is supported by the ACT Government and a Mental Health Month Grant.
Artwork entries are now open, and can be submitted through the Belconnen Arts Centre website, where you’ll also find the full terms and conditions of entry.
For and questions about the entry process or exhibition, you can contact Gungahlin Community Arts Officer Michele Grimston on Michele.grimston@belconnenartscentre.com.au
Entries close: 4 pm Monday 14 October
Opening night and poetry slam: 6 pm Friday 18 October
Exhibition: 18-20 October
What does resilience mean to you?
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