About
In brief
Out of Sight Out of Mind is an annual exhibition shows artworks made by people who have who have experience of mental health issues. It is a platform for people to say what they want to say using their art. It is also planned by people who have experience of mental health issues.
Artworks are in many different media and explore a wide range of themes. People take part for many different reasons, including, personal expression, to tell a story, to join with others, as part of an art practice, for therapeutic benefit, and even for fun.
It place during October each year at Summerhall. This website shows the most recent exhibition long after the physical exhibition has ended.
Each Out of Sight Out of Mind is unique, shaped by that years group of planners and exhibitors.
Film & archive exhibition
For the exhibition’s 10th year anniversary a short film was commissioned and it is a recommended watch. The same year an archive exhibition was created. Both help to describe and celebrate the exhibition, through the words of some people involved and the artworks themselves.
Collaboration
CAPS Independent Advocacy
Out of Sight Out of Mind is a Collective Advocacy project at CAPS Independent Advocacy. For them the exhibition is a platform for people who have experience of mental health issues, who want to have their voices heard using the arts.
Thrive Edinburgh & Edinburgh Health & Social Care Partnership
The exhibition is part of Thrive Edinburgh, an innovative strategy for improving the mental health and wellbeing of citizens in Edinburgh. As part of Thrive, the exhibition is funded by Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership.
Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival
The exhibition is part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, and was the inspiration for the first exhibition in 2013. Exhibitors often respond the festival’s annual theme. The festival and the Mental Health Foundation continue to be important partners.
Summerhall
Considered the home of the exhibition. The Planning Group and exhibitors all look forward to being in the building each October and working with the incredibly supportive staff.
Guiding Principles
• All of the artworks exhibited are made by people with lived experience of mental health issues
• Everyone’s artwork is of equal value, we do not make judgements on quality, value or artistic merit
• Artworks do not have to be about the topic of mental health. OOSOOM is a platform for people’s own voices using the arts
• Artworks can be in any form or media
• We aim to take in to account the wishes and needs of everyone involved wherever possible
• Only artworks previously not shown at this exhibition can be shown as the exhibition aims to be a fresh experience each year
• An artwork may be refused on grounds such as, advocacy, legality, safety, or another reason agreed by the organisers
• The exhibition will work within the ‘Principles of Independent Advocacy’, which govern CAPS Independent Advocacy
How We Work
The Planning Group works in collaboration with the exhibitors, organisations and the projects partners.
They meet throughout the year, starting in March. They direct the work and some people get involved in specific tasks, such as curation, PR, and the practical tasks.
Planning Group members all have lived experience of mental health issues, they take part on a voluntary basis. Their work and the project are facilitated by the Arts As Advocacy Manager at CAPS Independent Advocacy.
They are a diverse group, some people have been involved for years and new people join each year. People have their own interests and experience in art and mental health. They aim that everyone’s voice is equal in their work. The group’s diversity means that the project keeps evolving and that the needs of people with experience of mental health issues remain at the centre of the exhibition.
Exhibitors
The exhibition is a platform for the exhibitors to show their artwork in any media and on any topic. The diversity makes the exhibition unique each year.
Many exhibitors take part each year, some are part of art groups, and others hear about the ‘call for art’ from a variety of sources. Exhibitors can apply for small materials grants in the first half of the year.
If you or your group would like to take part, then please speak to a member of the team, or get in touch with CAPS by email pam@capsadvocacy.org or by phone 07989 402634
Background
The first Out of Sight Out of Mind exhibition took place in 2013 and since then it has grown to be one of the biggest exhibition of its kind in Scotland.
It began when a group of people with experience of mental health issues and people in organisations heard about the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival and said together – lets’ do an exhibition! What we see today is a result and a continuation of their work.
Out of Sight Out of Mind has in recent years had around 200 exhibitors and an audience of 2000 people. It continues to involve the participation, support and partnership of many individuals and organisations. Each year new members join with those more experienced in the Planning Group.
Since the beginning OOSOOM has been shown at Summerhall, although in different areas of the building. As the previous site of the Royal (Dick) Veterinary College it offers a range of interesting spaces for the team to curate. The OOSOOM team and exhibitors embrace the character of the building, from traditional white gallery style rooms, to unusual spaces like corridors with crumbling paint and to the disused ‘machine room’.
This website is a new addition to the project and means that the work can be keep being viewed long after the physical exhibition has ended.
In 2020 funding for the exhibition to take place for another 8 years was secured. So, if you or your group are interested in taking part in the next Out of Sight Out of Mind exhibition or have any other questions please get in touch.
Sources of mental health support
If you are worried about your mental health, seeking help early is the best way to get back on track. Speak to your GP or contact one of the helplines found by using the Sources of Support button below.