Challenging Normality
This year’s Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival asks – what is normal?
The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival seeks to make our “new normal” more inclusive
AFTER a challenging year of lockdowns in Scotland, organisers of The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) are determined to make their 2021 festival the most dynamic, exciting and inclusive yet.
SMHAF is already one of Scotland’s most diverse cultural events, with 14 annual festivals under their belt covering everything from music, film and visual art to theatre, dance and literature.
The theme for 2021 is Normality? in a direct response to the terms “new normal” and “back to normal” – both of which have become buzz phrases in the news since UK lockdown began at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020.
“We wanted to challenge the value judgements often associated with use of the word ‘normal’” said arts programme officer, Andrew Eaton-lewis.
“What if the old normal was damaging your mental health? Or what if the ‘new normal’ of being isolated and unable to work was always normal to you because of anxiety, illness or disability?”
Now that so many of us have adapted to lockdown living – is the old “normal” what we want to go back to after the pandemic, or can we make it a better one?
Festival organisers hope to challenge the perception of normality, and ensure that when the pandemic is behind us, companies, places of work and the public are more adaptable and understanding of these alternative “normals” needed by many to support their mental health.
Like many events and festivals, however, this year’s SMHAF has moved its celebrations and discussions online
– but that has only extended its reach, with free-to-access shows, workshops, exhibitions, debates and exclusive ticketed films available to all.
The packed three-week programme takes place in May and includes the SMHAF Film Awards and Writing Awards, showcasing new talent by authors and filmmakers who shine a spotlight on mental health.
Tartan Noir author Ian Rankin was guest host at the last in-person Writing Awards in 2019, and the judges for this year will be announced soon.
Also for SMHAF 2021, six artworks have been commissioned from public entries to create a series called My Normality, which will be showcased at the festival.
Supported by the Mental Health Foundation and partner associations across Scotland, the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival brings hope and a sense of togetherness, and a much-needed escape for many experiencing isolation.
“A festival exploring normality feels like a kind of manifesto,” Andrew says. “A plea for a new kind of normality that is healthier and fairer.”
The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival runs across May 3-23. Book tickets and see the full online programme at www.mhfestival.com
“The festival is a plea for a new kind of fairer” normality that is healthier and