ABOUT
/ The project
The National Art School (NAS)
and
Edith Cowan University (ECU)
have joined forces to create
Frame of Mind: Mental health and the arts
generously supported by the Minderoo Foundation.
The National Art School (NAS) in Sydney and Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth have joined forces to create Frame of Mind: Mental health and the arts, generously supported by the Minderoo Foundation. This public program series draws in artists and experts from Western Australia and New South Wales to explore the mental health challenges faced by artists, and the ways artists engage with themes of mental health within their work.
The program features a symposium, an exhibition, artist talks, panel discussions, a publication, a student collaboration and a vlogcast series. Delivered across both states, the program content will be livestreamed and posted to this site, to support cross pollination of ideas across geographic divides.
Through collaborative conversation the outputs of this diverse program will prompt crucial reflection and discussion around mental health in the arts sector, and the importance of the arts to the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians.
National Art school
The National Art School (NAS) is Australia’s leading independent fine art school; a producer of new art; a place to experience and participate in the arts; and a presentation venue. Located in Darlinghurst, NAS is a growing and vibrant arts and education precinct contributing to NSW becoming a leading centre for arts, culture, creativity and innovation in the Asia-Pacific.
Edith Cowan university
Established in 1991, Edith Cowan University (ECU) has grown rapidly into a quality university with excellent student satisfaction and internationally recognised research. Located in Perth, ECU is committed to widening participation and breaking down barriers that restrict entry to education, and is continuing work on the enhancement and development of alternative entry pathways to higher education.
minderoo foundation
Frame of Mind: Mental health and the Arts and John Olsen: Goya’s Dog are generously supported by the Minderoo Foundation, an independent, forward-thinking Australian philanthropic organisation that tackles tough issues and seeks to drive meaningful change with effective, scalable solutions. Minderoo Foundation is an active and strategic supporter of Australia’s arts and culture sector, to build vibrant, resilient, and creative communities.
Frame of Mind: Mental health and the arts has drawn together artists from New South Wales and Western Australia who explore themes of mental health within their practices. Encompassing a wide range of materials, themes and approaches this selection demonstrates the diverse ways that artists make sense of their inner worlds.
As we move on from the massive disruptions of 2020, and live with the ongoing consequences of the pandemic, in my view its time that we actively promoted the true social value of the creative arts sector and, in particular, its unique contribution to our national mental ‘wealth’.
At the same time we also need to support those in the sector, at all ages and career stages, to attend individually and collectively to their own mental health and wellbeing.
EVENTS
/ What's On
Find out what’s happening across Sydney, Perth and online
/ RESOURCES
Download the Frame of Mind publication featuring artist works and essays from mental health experts. Read More…
VIEW
/ Student exchange
A collaborative project between National Art School and Edith Cowan University. Read More…
QUESTIONS?