Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mental Health Arts NI Festival?
The Mental Health Arts NI Festival is a festival that runs across Northern Ireland every year, focusing on art about mental health, informed by those with lived experiences of mental health challenges.
When is the Mental Health Arts NI Festival?
The Mental Health Arts NI Festival happens every year, usually around Mental Health Awareness week. The 2026 festival ran from the
8th-15th of May. We will announce the dates for the 2027 festival early next year.
Do you run other projects or events?
Yes, we are more than just a festival–we are a movement. We run several events throughout the year outside of our festival, and also run projects that give artists opportunities, like our New Works Commission. For more information about our ongoing projects, click here.
How do I get involved?
We will post any of our festival-related open calls on social media and our website. Additionally, we regularly share other opportunities for artists on our social media.
If you would like to volunteer with the festival or any of our events, you can fill out our volunteer form here.
If you are interested in working with us in some other way, feel free to get in touch.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets for most of our events can be found on our Eventbrite.
I am struggling with my mental health and looking for support. What can I do?
Mental Health Arts NI are passionate about challenging the stigma surrounding mental health and the role of the arts in transforming people's wellbeing—but we are not a counselling service.
We have compiled a list of resources here.
If you feel at risk of harm or urgently need help, please contact emergency services (999) or go to the nearest A&E.