Podcast: Art that works wonders

Raiders of the Lost Art features works created by people living with mental health and wellbeing challenges.

The exhibition, presented by mental health not-for-profit organisation Neami National, neatly blends past and present by showcasing the work of contemporary artists with the work of those who participated in a similar program called Splash, which ran for 20 years to 2015.

Neami case manager Kriya Ferrari said both programs were designed to support people living with mental health issues through artistic practice, self-expression and community connection.

“The exhibition isn’t just about the final pieces on the wall; it’s about the journey each person has taken to get there,” she said.

“Participants have learned new creative skills, built confidence and found connection through expression, supported by an ongoing professional arts mentorship.”

Ferrari said Raiders of the Lost Art brings together the creative voices of today’s emerging artists with the legacy of a mental health arts program that began 30 years ago.

“Bringing the Splash works into this exhibition connects today’s artists to a long history of creativity, healing and community at Neami,” she said.

Ferrari said Splash was one of Neami’s first creative programs and showed how powerful art can be in recovery.

She said Raiders of the Lost Art carried that legacy forward, reminding us that everyone’s story has value.

“It’s been incredible to see the confidence and connection that grows when people are given the space to create,” said Ferrari.

“For many participants, this is the first time they’ve shared their art publicly, and that’s a huge milestone.”

The Neami exhibition comes as new research from the University of Western Australia (UWA) confirms a widespread community desire to participate in the arts for better mental health.

Almost 90 per cent of people surveyed as part of the Good Arts, Good Mental Health campaign agreed that arts-related activities could enhance mental health.

The director of the UWA Centre for Arts, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Dr Christina Davies, said as little as two hours per week devoted to activities such as music, reading, painting or dance can make a tangible difference to mental wellbeing.

“You don't have to be good at art for the arts to be good for you,” said Davies.

The Raiders of the Lost Art exhibition will run from July 3 to July 13 at Schoolhouse Studios in Coburg.