Organise an event for the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival with support from their new small grants scheme for regional development.

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Now in its 18th year, the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival takes place across Scotland and is led by the Mental Health Foundation. It aims to provide a platform for everyone to create and share art inspired by mental health and explores how arts and creativity can support people to live mentally healthier lives.

This year’s festival will take place from Thur 10 to Sun 27 October, exploring the theme of ‘In/Visible‘. Announcing a new small grants scheme to support regional development, SMHAF are particularly keen to support events in places that are underrepresented in their programme, like Dundee. The fund is open to organisations and individuals, supporting both new projects and ongoing work with grants of between £250–£1000.

Further announcements on the programme and ways to get involved with the festival are due in the coming months, so keep an eye on the SMHAF socials for details!

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How to apply

• Applicants may apply for funding between £250–£1000.
• Activity included in the application must take place as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, with public events taking place from Thu 10–Sun 27 Oct 2024. It should also respond to the festival theme of ‘In/Visible’.
• Applications from underrepresented areas (including Dundee, Aberdeen, Perth and Stirling) will be prioritised alongside applications directly engaging with communities who are most at risk of experiencing poor mental health.
• Funding is open to organisations and individuals based in Scotland.

Deadline for applications: 2pm, Tues 21 May

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The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) is one of Scotland’s most diverse cultural events, covering everything from music, film and visual art to theatre, dance, and literature. The festival aims to support the arts, explore how engagement in the arts can help prevent mental ill health, and challenge mental health stigma. Led by the Mental Health Foundation, SMHAF combines artistic quality with strong grassroots support, community engagement and social activism.