Art and mental illness

VICTORIAN artists with a disability or experience of mental illness are encouraged to enter their work in the Connected Art Exhibition.
The event showcases the power of artistic expression and how it acts as a creative outlet for feelings and experiences.
Local artists from the area are encouraged to enter, including work produced through art groups.
State Trustees managing director Tony Fitzgerald says the exhibition provided a platform to empower artists and promote their work to a wide audience.
“In the past, featured artists have commented on how proud they are to be involved with the exhibition and how excited they are to sell their work and see it displayed in a city gallery,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“For some it has opened up other professional opportunities to exhibit and to share their stories about how art has helped them through difficult times and how it has helped them to connect with their communities.”
From October, Federation Square will showcase the best shortlisted artworks created by new and emerging artists for the 11 annual exhibition.
Art mediums on display will include painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, digital media, photography, print making and poetry. Entries close 5pm Friday 23 August.