Business Details
19 Years
experience
Paisley Film Festival 2025
The Paisley Film Festival (SMHAF) has been a pioneering force in exploring mental health through the arts since its inception in 2007. Led by the Mental Health Foundation, we curate an annual programme of over 250 events across Scotland, engaging thousands of participants through theatre, film, music, visual arts, writing, and dance. Our mission is to demonstrate how creativity can prevent mental health issues and support healthier lives, combining artistic excellence with community engagement and social activism. We challenge stigma by celebrating the achievements of individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges while fostering inclusive participation in the arts. Our innovative approach has inspired international replication, establishing us as one of the world's leading mental health arts festivals.We collaborate with artists, communities, and organisations to create transformative experiences that explore themes like our 2025 focus on 'Comfort & Disturb'. Through initiatives like our International Film Awards and Regional Participatory Arts Fund, we amplify underrepresented voices and stories. Our work extends beyond events to include educational resources such as 'Performing Anxiety' and archival projects documenting Scotland's mental health arts heritage. With a legacy spanning nearly two decades, we remain committed to using the arts as a catalyst for mental wellbeing. Our team in Glasgow coordinates this ambitious programme while maintaining strong partnerships across Scotland's cultural sector.
Services
Film screenings
Art exhibitions
Creative workshops
Live performances
Writing competitions
Community projects
Artist commissions
Mental health resources
Event programming
Cultural partnerships
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- Established in 2007 as one of the world's leading mental health arts festivals
- Curates over 250 events annually across Scotland's cultural venues
- Combines artistic excellence with community mental health engagement
- International model for arts-based mental health initiatives
- Offers participatory opportunities for artists and communities nationwide
Services
Film screenings
Our film programme showcases international submissions and premieres that explore mental health themes. These curated screenings include post-film discussions with filmmakers and mental health professionals. The annual International Film Awards highlight the most impactful cinematic explorations of mental health issues.
Art exhibitions
We commission and showcase contemporary art addressing mental health through installations, sculptures, and multimedia works. Exhibitions like 'In/Visible' feature artists with lived experience, creating spaces for dialogue about mental wellbeing through visual storytelling and creative expression.
Creative workshops
Our participatory workshops enable community engagement with mental health themes through hands-on creative activities. These sessions, led by professional artists, provide safe spaces for self-expression and exploring wellbeing through various artistic mediums and collaborative projects.
Live performances
We present theatre, music, and dance performances that examine mental health through artistic expression. These performances often include post-show talks with artists and mental health advocates, creating opportunities for audience reflection and discussion about key themes.
Writing competitions
Our annual writing awards celebrate literary works addressing mental health themes. The competition includes categories for poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, with winning entries published and featured in festival events across Scotland.
People
Gail Aldam
Arts and Events Manager
Gail leads festival programming with over 15 years' experience in arts management and mental health advocacy. She oversees event curation and artist collaborations.
Rob Dickie
Arts and Festival Officer
Rob coordinates festival logistics and community engagement initiatives. He brings expertise in event production and participatory arts programming.
Andrew Eaton-Lewis
Arts Programme Officer
Andrew manages artist commissions and creative projects. He has extensive experience in contemporary arts curation and mental health awareness campaigns.
Questions
What is the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival?
We are an annual arts festival exploring mental health through diverse creative expressions, featuring hundreds of events across Scotland since 2007.
When does the festival take place?
The main festival runs annually from late October to early November, with additional year-round initiatives and projects.
How can artists participate?
Artists can submit proposals through our open call, apply for commissions, or collaborate with local organisations to develop events.
Are events accessible across Scotland?
Yes, our programme spans cities and rural areas with events in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and regional communities.
What mental health themes do you explore?
We examine diverse themes through art, including our 2025 focus on 'Comfort & Disturb', trauma, resilience, identity, and wellbeing.
How does the festival support mental health?
We use arts to challenge stigma, provide creative outlets, and demonstrate how cultural engagement promotes mental wellbeing for all.
