Call for Aberdeenshire artists to tackle mental health stigma

The Anti-Stigma Arts Fund – operated by See Me – is now open for the second year, accepting applications from individuals, groups or organisations.

Research has shown that the arts can offer a powerful platform to share experiences, and show what the reality is for people living with mental health problems.

Launched in 2021, the first Anti-Stigma Arts Fund received applications from a range of organisations and individuals across Scotland, with six projects successfully funded.

For the 2022 fund, proposals are encouraged from individuals, groups of organisations for arts projects in any medium that aim to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination. Grants of between £500 and £5,000 are available.

Last year’s projects involved young people, members of a community affected by suicide, people with experience of severe, complex and enduring mental health problems, transgender and non-binary people and Chinese students, exploring how the different groups experience mental health stigma and open up conversations around mental health.

Four films, one leaflet, one wellbeing pack and one comic book, a community questionnaire, a youth questionnaire, and a programme of therapeutic arts were produced through the fund.

The sixth project, working with Gypsy/Travellers, is now underway following pandemic-related delays.

Maeve Grindall, project officer for communities and priority groups at See Me, said: “Our first year of funding showed us the power of the arts and how creativity can tackle mental health stigma and discrimination.

“We’re excited to see what projects and ideas might come from our second year of funding, and placing a real emphasis on projects which aim to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination in the communities where it is most prevalent.”

The deadline to apply is midnight on Sunday, November 6. More information can be found at www.seemescotland.org/anti-stigma-arts-fund/