MENTAL HEALTH ARTS NI
MORE THAN JUST A FESTIVAL
MENTAL HEALTH ARTS NI FESTIVAL 2026
8th - 15th May 2026
BELONGING
We are delighted to present our 13th Mental Health Arts NI programme of events for 2026. It's been an exciting time. We have relocated to the Duncairn, expanded & rebranded!
We have expanded our team; launched two new initiatives: our Hidden Narratives and New Works Commission; established a Research & Development Panel; and rebranded from NI Mental Health Arts Festival to Mental Health Arts NI. While our festival will remain a key event in our annual program, we are more than just a festival–we are a movement.
Our theme this year is 'Belonging,' a feeling or sense of being accepted, valued, connected to people or place. A fundamental human need. You are welcomed as your true self in a group, community, or environment. It is a sense of holding an integral place in a system, family, school, work, community or a physical setting. True belonging is not having to hide aspects of your identity or conform to expectations to fit in. It is vital to feel connected to others, this gives life purpose and meaning.
Online Exhibitions
"It Was Okay", comic by Connor Barbour
"How are you?"
Recovery Street Film Festival Selection
Now in its 12th year, the Recovery Street Film Festival has invited amateur filmmakers with lived experience of substance use — either personally or through someone close to them — to share their stories on film.
What began with screenings in public and community spaces, including literally on the street, has grown into a UK wide festival, with films viewed over one million times.
Enjoy a selection of four excellent films from last year's festival.
The Art of Conversation with Professor Daisy Fancourt
Noelle Mc Alinden and Prof Daisy Fancourt discuss Art Cure, Fancourt’s book based on compelling research about the power of arts on our mental wellbeing.
MENTAL HEALTH ARTS NI
NEW WORKS COMMISSION
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Northern Ireland Mental Health Arts Festival is excited to announce the six recipients of our New Works Commission for 2026. This initiative addresses the barriers faced by artists who have lived experience of mental health challenges by awarding £2000 to invest in their own practice and wellbeing. It is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
The selected artists were chosen in response to our open call across Northern Ireland. We were overwhelmed by the extensive number of artists across art forms who applied for this award. The artists will have the opportunity to invest in their own practice, create new work, and participate in monthly artist’s forums supporting peer-learning and knowledge exchange. There will be a celebration event to showcase the work produced in May 2026.
CURRENT PROJECTS:
Open Decks
The Mental Health Arts NI in collaboration with the Black Box present the Open Decks project. A monthly event where early career and aspiring DJ’s can take to the decks and perform, a night of electronic music, dancing, and fun. Free Admission.
Any aspiring DJs who might like to sign up or find out more info can get in touch with us at director@blackboxbelfast.com to find out more.
Header Image: Jos McGookin