Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) – Nationwide, Scotland 2025

Background & History

Established in 2007, the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF), led by the Mental Health Foundation, is one of the world’s leading arts festivals dedicated to mental health, engaging up to 25,000 people annually. Held across Scotland, it features hundreds of events spanning theatre, film, music, visual arts, writing, and dance. SMHAF explores how creativity can prevent mental health issues, challenge stigma, and promote well-being, combining high artistic quality with grassroots support and social activism.

The 2025 festival, from 20 October to 9 November, embraces the theme “Comfort & Disturb,” inspired by Cesar A Cruz’s quote, “art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable,” fostering transformative experiences through art. mhfestival.com. mentalhealth.org.uk. creativescotland.com.

Event Highlights

• The Hidden Revealed: 10 October 2024–10 September 2025, Art in the Gart, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, Glasgow. Free exhibition of paintings, drawings, and prints by patients and Project Ability ReConnect participants, showcasing lived mental health experiences.
• Film Programme: 6–9 November 2025, CCA: Centre for Contemporary Arts, Glasgow. Features shorts, features, Q&As, and workshops, with International Film Awards for mental health-focused films. Submission fees £10–£15 ≈ $13.28–$19.92 USD (waivers available).
• Writing Competition: New works inspired by “Comfort & Disturb,” closing 4 August 2025. Free to enter, winners showcased during the festival.
• Artist Commissions: Four £1,000 ≈ $1,328 USD commissions for new works responding to the theme, open to all artforms, deadline 9 May 2025.
• Regional Participatory Arts Fund: Grants (£750–£1,250 ≈ $996–$1,660 USD) for projects in Aberdeen, Dundee, and rural Scotland, deadline 18 June 2025. mhfestival.com. filmfreeway.com.

Date & Duration

• Date: 20 October–9 November 2025.
• Duration: 21 days.
• Opening Times: Vary by event; film screenings (6–9 November, CCA Glasgow, typically 7:00 PM); workshops/exhibitions (e.g., 10:00 AM–5:00 PM). Full schedule TBD May 2025 at www.mhfestival.com.
• Note: Some events (e.g., The Hidden Revealed) extend beyond festival dates. Check www.mhfestival.com for updates. mhfestival.com.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venues:
  • CCA: Centre for Contemporary Arts, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JD (film programme, 6–9 November).
  • Art in the Gart, Lower Hub, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, 1055 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0XH (The Hidden Revealed).
  • Venues across Scotland (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Paisley, Highlands, etc.) TBD, including community centres, libraries, and theatres.
• Secondary Venues: Out of Sight Out of Mind exhibition at Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL (artwork submissions due 7 July 2025). Additional venues announced in May 2025.
• Administrative Contact: Mental Health Foundation, 2nd Floor, Moncrieff House, 69 West Nile Street, Glasgow, G1 2QB; smhaf@mentalhealth.org.uk.
• Note: Venue accessibility varies; contact smhaf@mentalhealth.org.uk or local organizers for details. Maps at www.mhfestival.com. mhfestival.com. outofsightoutofmind. scot.

Contact Information

• Email:
  • General: smhaf@mentalhealth.org.uk.
  • Arts and Events Manager (Gail Aldam): galdam@mentalhealth.org.uk.
  • Arts and Festival Officer (Rob Dickie): rdickie@mentalhealth.org.uk.
  • Arts Programme Officer (Andrew Eaton-Lewis): aeaton-lewis@mentalhealth.org.uk.
• Phone: +44 141 226 9845 (Gail Aldam); +44 141 226 9857 (Rob Dickie); +44 141 226 9840 (Andrew Eaton-Lewis).
• Website: www.mhfestival.com (events, submissions, FAQs).
• Social Media: @mhfestival (Facebook, Instagram); @mh_arts (Twitter/X). Newsletter signup at www.mhfestival.com.
• Ticketing: Varies by event; check www.mhfestival.com or local organizers (e.g., CCA Glasgow, Summerhall). Film submissions via filmfreeway.com. mhfestival.com. filmfreeway.com.

Ticket Information

• How to Book: No centralized ticketing; varies by event. Many are free or donation-based; others are set by local organizers (e.g., CCA Glasgow, Summerhall). Check www.mhfestival.com for event-specific links or contact local venues (e.g., libraries, community centres). Film submissions: £10 ≈ $13.28 USD (shorts), £15 ≈ $19.92 USD (features), waivers available via smhaf@mentalhealth.org.uk. No refunds unless the event is cancelled; contact organizers for policies. Tickets on the door if available; advance booking recommended. mhfestival.com. filmfreeway.com.
• 2025 Pricing (USD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.3282 USD):
  • Events: Often free or pay-what-you-can (suggested $2.50–$12.50 USD donations).
  • Film Submissions: £10–£15 ≈ $13.28–$19.92 USD (shorts/features, waivers available).
  • Programme: ~£5 ≈ $6.65 USD (speculative, sold at select venues, cash preferred).
  • Workshops/Exhibitions: Typically free; some may charge ~£5–£15 ≈ $6.65–$19.92 USD (TBD by organizers).
• Ticket Range:
  • GBP: Free (most events) to ~£15 (workshops, speculative).
  • USD: ~$0 (most events) to ~$19.92 USD (workshops, speculative).
• Additional Notes: Pricing varies; many events are funded by Creative Scotland and, Baring Foundation. Film submission fees per filmfreeway.com. Programme price speculative, based on similar events (e.g., Lammermuir Festival). Full details TBD May 2025 at www.mhfestival.com. Contact smhaf@mentalhealth.org.uk for event-specific costs. mhfestival.com. creativescotland.com.

Cultural Experience

SMHAF celebrates Scotland’s diverse arts scene, using music, film, theatre, and visual arts to explore mental health. The 2025 theme, “Comfort & Disturb,” challenges stigma and fosters healing through creativity, drawing 25,000+ attendees. Events in historic and community venues reflect Scotland’s commitment to mental well-being and artistic expression. mhfestival.com. mentalhealth.org.uk.

Food & Drinks

• Event Venues: Varies by location; some offer refreshments (e.g., tea/coffee at workshops, ~$2–$5 USD, cash preferred). CCA Glasgow has a café (veggie options, $5–$15 USD). No alcohol at most venues due to community focus.
• Nearby Dining (Glasgow):
  • The Hug and Pint (CCA, vegan/Asian, $10–$20 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Kelvingrove Café (Gartnavel, brunch, $8–$15 USD, 10-minute walk).
  • The Bothy (Summerhall, Edinburgh, Scotland, $10–$25 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Limited; available at nearby pubs (e.g., The Hug and Pint, $5–$10 USD). mhfestival.com.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Many events suitable for ages 12+ (e.g., exhibitions, workshops); check event listings for age guidance. Free exhibitions like The Hidden Revealed welcome all ages. Parental discretion advised for sensitive themes.
• Accessibility:
  • Varies by venue; CCA Glasgow (G2 3JD) offers step-free access, accessible toilets. Gartnavel (G12 0XH) and Summerhall (EH9 1PL) have limited access due to historic structures. Contact smhaf@mentalhealth.org.uk or local organizers for details. Assistance animals welcome. mhfestival.com.

Getting There

• By Air: Glasgow Airport (GLA, 10 miles, 20-minute drive to CCA Glasgow).
• Public Transport:
  • Train: Glasgow Central (1 mile, $3–$8 USD to CCA, 5-minute walk). Check www.scotrail.co.uk.
  • Bus: First Glasgow (e.g., 2, $2–$5 USD to Sauchiehall Street, 5-minute walk to CCA).
• By Car: Limited parking at venues (e.g., CCA Glasgow, G2 3JD; Summerhall, EH9 1PL); public lots nearby ($5–$10 USD/day). Gartnavel has hospital parking (limited).
• By Bike/Foot: 5-minute walk from Glasgow bus stops to CCA; bike racks at major venues.
• By Taxi: Glasgow Taxis (+44 141 429 7070, $10–$20 USD from GLA).
• Rideshare: Uber ($10–$20 USD). mhfestival.com. scotrail.co.uk.

Program Details

• 9 May 2025: Artist commission deadline.
• 4 August 2025: Writing competition deadline.
• 18 June 2025: Regional Participatory Arts Fund deadline.
• 20 October–9 November 2025: Festival events, including film screenings (6–9 November, CCA Glasgow).
• Note: Full schedule TBD May 2025 at www.mhfestival.com. mhfestival.com.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024: The Hidden Revealed (Gartnavel) and This Werewolf Complex (Experimental Film Award winner) drew 5,000+ visitors.
• 2023: Rebirth & Revolution: Mary Barnes exhibition raised £15,000 for mental health initiatives. mhfestival.com.

Educational Impact

• Workshops: Creative writing and participatory arts events (e.g., Aberdeen, Dundee) promote mental well-being.
• Performing Anxiety Resource: Free guide/podcast for artists creating mental health projects, available at www.mhfestival.com.
• Programme: ~$6.65 USD, includes event schedules and artist stories. mhfestival.com.

Cultural Activities

• Exhibitions: The Hidden Revealed, 10 October 2024–10 September 2025, Gartnavel, free.
• Film Screenings: 6–9 November 2025, CCA Glasgow, $5–$15 USD (TBD).
• Workshops: Writing and arts sessions across Scotland, often free, TBD May 2025. mhfestival.com.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Check www.mhfestival.com for event schedules; accommodation varies by city (book via www.visitscotland.com).
• Weather Prep: October–November (40–50°F, rainy); bring waterproof clothing.
• Explore Locally: Kelvingrove Art Gallery (Glasgow, $10 USD, 10-minute walk from CCA), Summerhall (Edinburgh, free exhibitions).
• Public Transport: First Glasgow smartcard ($5 USD); bus tickets ($2–$5 USD).
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.mhfestival.com. mhfestival.com. visitscotland.com.

Local Attractions

• Glasgow: Kelvingrove Art Gallery ($10 USD, 10-minute walk from CCA).
• Edinburgh: Summerhall (free exhibitions, 5-minute walk from Out of Sight Out of Mind).
• Aberdeen: Aberdeen Art Gallery (free, 10-minute walk from the city centre). visitscotland.com.

Accommodation Options

• Hotels: CitizenM Glasgow ($80–$150 USD/night, 5-minute walk from CCA).
• B&Bs: Edinburgh City B&B ($60–$120 USD/night, 10-minute drive from Summerhall).
• Airbnb: Glasgow/Edinburgh flats ($50–$100 USD/night).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 3–6 months for October; check www.visitscotland.com. visitscotland.com.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at major venues (e.g., CCA Glasgow); nearest hospital in Glasgow (Gartnavel, 0 miles) or Edinburgh (Royal Infirmary, 2 miles).
• Security: Staff at venues; contact smhaf@mentalhealth.org.uk for concerns.
• Health Protocols: Sanitizer stations; optional masks. Full 2025 details TBD at www.mhfestival.com. mhfestival.com.