Reflecting on 20 years of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival
As we navigate a rapidly changing world, the 20th Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival asks a timely question: how do you slow down when the world around you won’t stop moving?
While confronting political, economic and technological upheaval, from the impact of AI to the reverberations of global conflict, this year’s The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) programme also invites audiences across Scotland to pause, take stock and reflect on how creativity can shape our collective wellbeing.
Celebrating its landmark 20th year, SMHAF, which is led by the Mental Health Foundation, will explore the theme of Reflections. Running from Monday 19 October to Sunday 8 November, there are more than 180 events happening across Scotland, from Dumfries to the Highlands, including headline commissions, intimate theatre and exciting film premieres.
New for 2026, SMHAF will partner with Summerhall for a three-week takeover featuring headline theatre, music and exhibitions. Highlights include the return of Beth Wants The D, winner of the 2025 Mental Health Foundation Fringe Award, a live show by acclaimed singer-songwriter Jo Mango, and a double bill of theatre exploring the relationship between young people, mental health and digital technology featuring Fringe First-winner Parasocial Activity and Milly Sweeney’s Almond.
Group exhibition Reflect, Reclaim, Reimagine showcases commissioned artworks by Nat Ophelia Walpole, Kelly Zou, Mairi Timoney, Steven Jones, and Jasmine Esme, exploring bullying, identity, motherhood, trauma and recovery through a range of media, alongside the 14th Out Of Sight Out Of Mind, organised by and for people with experience of mental health issues. Film fans have plenty to look forward to, as screenings at GFT, Filmhouse and DCA follow a full weekend of award-winners and competition selections at The Social Hub in Glasgow. Highlights include preview screenings of Clio Barnard’s I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning, the UK premiere of Edinburgh-based filmmaker Isaac Knights-Washbourn’s Thorntree, an intimate portrait of a pioneering local housing project, and reflections on mental health on screen with classic films Carrie and A Woman Under The Influence.
Since launching in 2007, SMHAF has grown into one of the world’s largest mental health festivals, reaching tens of thousands of people annually, championing artists who experience mental health problems, and promoting the arts and mental health across Scotland.
Gail Aldam, arts and events manager for the Mental Health Foundation, says: ‘SMHAF continues to provide a unique platform for challenging stigma, sharing experiences and creating meaningful opportunities for connection.
‘Through film, visual arts, performance, literature and community events, the festival celebrates diverse voices, amplifies lived experience and highlights why investment in creativity, culture and community remains essential to building a mentally healthier Scotland.’
The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, various venues, Scotland, Monday 19 October–Sunday 8 November; main picture: Rewilding The Mind / Sophie Van Bree.
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This is a sponsored post written on behalf of The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival.