Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival

Launched in 2007, SMHAFF has grown into one of the largest festivals of its kind in the world, with over 300 events and 25,000 attendees across Scotland each October. Its innovative approach, combining high quality artistic events with community led programming and a social justice agenda, has been replicated internationally. By engaging with artists, connecting with communities and forming collaborations, we celebrate the artistic achievements of people with experience of mental health issues, exploring the relationship between creativity and the mind, and promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.

Led by the Mental Health Foundation, it has since expanded its arts activity into a year round programme, branded Mental Health Arts. This programme is supported by See Me, Scotland’s programme to end mental health stigma, and open funding from Creative Scotland.