Media Release

Expressions called for Art Exhibition   
 
1 September 2005

Expressions Art Exhibition 2005
Venue: Common Ground, 15-19 Gracie Street, North Melbourne
Opening night: Thursday 17 November
Open to public: Friday 18 November to 25 November, 9am-5pm
Admission is free

People who have experienced mental health problems, their carers and mental health workers are invited to submit artwork for the 2005 Expressions Art Exhibition to be held in November.

The annual event follows the successful inaugural exhibition last year in which 100 people provided more than 200 pieces of art for display.

Head of the organising committee Professor David Castle said the exhibition provided an opportunity for people to share their personal experiences and insights into mental illness through a visual means of expression and communication.

'The exhibition provides a reflection of the thoughts and feelings of those who live with a mental illness and those who care for someone who does. It also gives visitors an appreciation of the enormous amount of artistic talent so many people with mental illness possess. Hopefully, it will also reduce the stigma associated with mental illness,' Professor Castle said.

Artist Fiona Prendergast, who won the People's Choice Award last year, is helping to organise this year's exhibition.

'The exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for everyone associated with mental health services to get involved. Most artwork is accepted for exhibition, which allows for a diverse display of talents. For some people, this is their first point of contact with the art world and who knows where it will take them in their journey of self-belief and discovery.

'My participation last year, and especially taking out the honour for the People's Choice Award, was a huge surprise. It has launched me into other projects including studies in fine art - it really has been a life-changing experience,' Ms Prendergast said.

Artwork will be judged by peers and professionals from the art industry and prizes will be awarded.

To submit artwork for the 2005 Expressions Art Exhibition, the application form is available online at http://www.mh.org.au/NW_Mental_Health/Expressions_Art_Exhibition/ or contact: Kevin Brimer 8327 1703, Marg Fogarty 8371 7500 or Malinda Edwards 9389 2986.

All artwork must be delivered to the venue between 31 October and 4 November 2005. Art must be less than 10 years old and not have been presented in the previous Expressions Art Exhibition.

The Expressions Art Exhibition is presented by:

Inner West Area Mental Health Service (Community Care Unit and the Mobile
Support and Treatment Team, including The Royal Melbourne Hospital)
Doutta Galla Community Health Services
The City of Moonee Valley Boomerang Club
The Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria