Visual Arts

The Arts & Minds Network was put together by various agencies working together to provide an artistic outlet for all those with an interest in mental health issues. Its latest showcase will be the third public exhibition, following on from the success of the previous two.

Spotlight is being held at The Light Shopping Centre on The Headrow, right in the centre of Leeds. The retail and leisure centre hosted the network's previous exhibition in 2008, which was very popular with visitors.

The exhibition, funded by Leeds Partnerships Foundation NHS Trust and NHS Leeds, will feature art created by members of the Arts and Minds Network, including patients, carers, mental health workers and artists with an interest in mental health issues. 

The Arts and Minds network is a multi-sector partnership which aims to develop the role of the arts in health and social care. The network involves people from a wide range of organisations and interests, and aims to increase public knowledge and understanding of mental health through the arts.

A member involved with Arts & Minds said: "Art can create an atmosphere in which thought, reflections and memories are suddenly permitted. That can be liberating. You find that you’re no longer reacting passively towards your world but responding to it wholeheartedly".

The Spotlight exhibition runs at The Light until Wednesday 14 October 2009 between 10am -7pm. The show will also form the centrepiece of a special event between 6pm and 8pm on Friday 9 October 2009, designed for Leeds Light Night.