Ignite the Arts Unveil Transformative Mental Health-Themed Exhibition
In an exciting collaboration with Tempest Theatre & Film Society, Voices with Impact, Connection Salon, Gallery Gachet, Community Arts Council of Vancouver, and Workman Arts “Rendezvous with Madness” Festival, Penticton Art Gallery and Ignite the Arts proudly present “GIFTS OF MADNESS” —a groundbreaking Mad Pride mental health-themed art exhibition.
GIFTS OF MADNESS transcends the boundaries of a traditional art exhibition; it is a celebration of Mad Pride, a movement that fearlessly embraces the challenges of mental health. Curated by the renowned Kagan Goh, the exhibition endeavors to illuminate the multifaceted nature of the mental health experience, navigating the spectrum from negative to positive and exploring all shades in between.
The exhibit dives into the shadows, emphasizing the stigma, prejudice, and discrimination faced by individuals with mental illnesses. Simultaneously, it spotlights the transformative power of art in healing, showcasing the creative gifts of artists who have harnessed their craft for therapeutic benefits.
GIFTS OF MADNESS extends an open invitation to artists within the mad arts/disability arts movement, encouraging both emerging and established creators to apply across all artistic mediums. This multimedia, multidisciplinary exhibition will feature a diverse array of expressions, including photography, painting, drawing, installation, sculpture, video, film, readings, and live performances by stand-up comedians, musicians, spoken word artists, storytellers, and theater artists. Selected artists will receive an exhibition honorarium, with the Penticton Art Gallery handling all logistics, including installation, insurance, and return shipping of artworks. The exhibition promises to illuminate the personal stories of these mad artists, exploring their journeys from victims to survivors and, ultimately, to activists.
“GIFTS OF MADNESS is a movement to reshape perceptions around mental health. We hope there is interest in becoming a part of this aspect of Ignite the Arts, by submitting your work and sharing your story.” Says Communications Coordinator, Chelsea Terry.
Submission Form for Artists: https://shorturl.at/uvDZ9
KEY DATES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPATION
Penticton Art Gallery Exhibition:
Submission Deadline: Thursday, February 15, 2024
Opening: Saturday, March 23, 2024, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Closing: Saturday, May 11, 2024
10 Minute Plays for Ignite the Arts Festival & Tempest Theatre:
Submissions Deadline: January 6, 2024
Performance Dates: March 28 & March 30, 2024
Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival, Connection Salon, and Gallery Gachet:
Selected artworks will be chosen for presentation at the Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival (October 2024), Connection Salon, and Gallery Gachet in Vancouver after May 2024. Selected artworks participating in the Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival will pay Artist fees at CARFAC rates.
Submission Form: https://shorturl.at/uvDZ9