North-east arts projects tackling mental health stigma can apply for funding
Organisations and groups across the north-east are being called on to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination through the arts.
The Anti-Stigma Arts Fund – run by See Me, Scotland’s programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination – is now in its fourth year, accepting applications from constituted groups or organisations.
It has been shown that the arts can be used to challenge stigmatising attitudes and behaviours associated with mental health.
The first Anti-Stigma Arts Fund was launched in 2021, when See Me received applications from a range of organisations and individuals across Scotland.
Its successful first year meant the programme was able to fund another round in 2022 and 2023 – and is now seeking the 2024 projects.
A diverse range of inspiring arts-based projects have been produced with the help of the grant.
These include a film on the impact of stigma around male suicide, a spoken word showcase on the intersection between mental health and perceived gender, a public information comic created with young women who have experienced abuse and homelessness, and a live choir performance made up of female-identifying survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
For 2024, proposals are encouraged from organisations and constituted groups working in Scotland who will create a participatory creative project. Grants of between £500 to £5000 could be awarded.
Maeve Grindall, project officer for communities and priority groups at See Me, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of this year’s fund.
“Previous funded activities have contributed so much to our understanding of mental health stigma and discrimination for particular groups and communities, and we are excited to discover our next recipients and see another group of incredible creative projects take shape.”
The deadline to apply is midnight on Thursday, January 9.
Projects must meaningfully engage with people with experiences and impacts of poverty.
They should also focus on the experience of racialised communities, physical disabilities, and people with experience of mental illness.
Visit the See Me website for more information on the application process and the previous projects.
