BELONGING
8th - 15th May 2026
Every year, we host Northern Ireland's longest-running mental health arts festival. We host a great variety of events and exhibitions across the North, with a little something for everyone. To check out our 2026 programme, click the link below:
Testimonials
"We are proud to support Mental Health Arts NI through Arts Council National Lottery funding. We look forward to another series of high-quality, innovative arts programming, which supports our vision to have a sector which is recognised as essential to creativity and well-being.
From visual and performing arts to forums, talks, music, yoga and more across Belfast and Derry/Londonderry, the programme promises to be another lineup of beneficial events. We wish all the team and attendees a truly enjoyable and successful programme."
Patricia Lavery, Head of Community and Education, Arts Council of Northern Ireland
David Cutler, The Baring Foundation
"It is great to see the MHANI go from strength to strength and we at The Baring Foundation are pleased to also support its year round work in our joint funding with ACNI.
"I am so excited for Mental Health Arts NI's 2026 Festival. It presents an amazing opportunity to bring people together and consider the vital role the arts can play in supporting mental health. It has been an honour to participate and I hope the festival catalyses important new conversations and continues to raise public awareness."
Professor Daisy Fancourt, Author of Art Cure
Former Lord Mayor of Belfast City Council, Councillor Tracey Kelly
"I am delighted to support the Mental Health Arts NI as it enters its 13th year of making a vital contribution to our city.
It is more important than ever that we talk openly about mental health. One of my main priorities as Lord Mayor is to ensure that everyone in Belfast feels part of the journey and that no-one is left behind and mental health forms a huge part of this.
This festival offers a truly inclusive way to do just that, using visual and performing arts, poetry, comedy, music, and performance to reach people from across the city.
This year's theme of 'belonging' really speaks to the power of the arts providing a space where everyone feels welcome and can use their voice in a safe and secure way.
The festival also highlights the arts as a force for good, bringing our communities together and encouraging us to openly share our stories."
"As Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, I am delighted to offer my full support to the Mental Health Arts NI as it celebrates its 13th landmark year. This festival has become a vital cornerstone of our cultural calendar, providing a brave and beautiful space for those with lived experience to share their stories through the power of the visual and performing arts. In a year where I have chosen to focus my own Mayoral office on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, I applaud MHANI for it's tireless work in challenging stigma and advocating for compassionate policy change. I want to extend my best wishes to everyone attending the Symposium that is being organised to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that exists across the North."
Former Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh
Rock Choir UK & Ireland
The Rock Choir is proud to support Mental Health Arts NI. The festival, held each May, champions mental well-being, combats stigma, and brings communities together through the arts all year round.
"Glasgowbury were delighted to be a small part of the NI Mental Health Arts Festival programme 2026. Our Creative Steps Wellbeing Performance with the Ulster Orchestra, Two Tone, Paddy Nash, and Junior Johnson. The room was full, a successful night of varied music enjoyed by all who attended.
It was the first time the Ulster Orchestra had ever performed in rural Ballinascreen/Draperstown. They commented on how beautiful the venue was and that they would be back soon. Being part of a festival that engaged with so many other arts and creative organisations speaks volumes to Noelle and her team of volunteers and committee.
They reach out to many and have proven that the power of creativity can engage, help and strengthen communities and the benefits it has for individuals' mental health and wellbeing.
All the best with the festival in 2027! Glasgowbury looks forward to working with you all in the future."
Paddy Glasgow
Eileen McCourt, Art Therapist
"It was a pleasure to attend MHANI's Opening Symposium at the Nerve Centre, Derry (8 May '26).
The welcome was warm and the surroundings intimate, allowing the all-important activity of networking, where the development of relationships is essential for recognising and understanding the vital roles we each play within arts and mental health.
Contributions from organisations offering funding and support for artists provided a framework for speakers presenting on their experience of working within the area of Mental Health. [...]
"Regrettably, too many organisations today obsess about quantitative data. The power of the human story trumps it everytime and this was evident at the MHANI Symposium."