One-off pieces created by prominent Highland artists and a local MSP are now being sold at auction to raise funds for Centred Scotland’s Discovery Colleges which support people experiencing mental ill-health across the region.
As part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, the artists collaborated with individuals supported by the leading mental health charity in an innovative project aimed at raising awareness and sparking conversation around mental health challenges.
Centred Scotland delivers over 200,000 hours of mental health support and home care services to people across the Highlands, with a particular focus on rural and remote communities.
Its services include community-based support, a 23-bed mental health recovery centre, and Discovery Colleges located in Inverness and Wick, as well as online programmes offering training and guidance throughout the region.
For the project, entitled Art in Mind, the charity asked professional and amateur artists to convey their feelings of mental ill-health using seven blank mannequins.
The completed pieces, created for the annual festival which runs from September to November, were first showcased at Inverness’ Eden Court during the festival launch.
They can currently be viewed at Thurso Art Gallery until late November, after which the exhibition will move to the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness.
Online bids are now being accepted for the completed mannequins ahead of the live auction finale on Friday 12th December at Scran Kitchen in the Eastgate Shopping Centre.
Leading the auction will be STV reporter Nicola McAlley.
Tickets to attend the auction are priced at £5.
Click here for information and to purchase tickets or bid online.
Renowned Black Isle-based pop surrealist Michael Forbes created the first piece.
Others have been designed by Highland artists Rona Kant and Lisa Poulsen, as well as MSP Emma Roddick and a Centred service user.
Collaborative pieces have also been produced by young artists, staff, parents and carers at the Room 13 Studios in Caol and Centred’s Discovery College staff and users.
Centred Chief Executive David Brookfield praised the creativity behind the exhibition:
“Each artist has produced deeply thoughtful pieces that explore different aspects of mental wellbeing.
“They convey emotions with striking clarity, and we hope these works will spark conversations and foster greater understanding of the challenges surrounding mental ill-health.
“Our Discovery College service has been a tremendous success, welcoming more than 100 drop-ins every week.
“To continue expanding support for people living with mental ill-health across Highland, we rely heavily on donations and fundraising.
“As part of this effort, we’re auctioning these unique, one-of-a-kind artworks, alongside a wide range of items to suit all budgets.
“Every bid helps make a difference in our communities.
“From signed T-shirts by famous film stars to festival and football tickets, rare malt whiskies, and much more, there’s something for everyone, while supporting a vital cause.”
