Canadian Mental Health Association in BC Launches new Art Competition:
“Art for Awards” Program Seeks Painting Submissions from across BC
VANCOUVER — Artists with mental illness from across BC are invited to submit their original paintings to the BC Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) Art for Awards program. The new program honours the tremendous talent and creative accomplishments of BC artists who also live with a mental illness. Four winning artists will be selected to each receive a $500 prize and recognition at CMHA BC Division’s Annual General Meeting on September 16th, 2006 in Vancouver.
The program builds on the unique interplay between art and mental illness. For many, artistic endeavours can provide an outlet for expression that helps them to successfully cope with their mental illness. Artistic creation can also be a hobby, a social activity, and/or a way to generate a livelihood.
“There is no shortage of talented artists in BC living with mental illness,” says Else Strand, CMHA BC board member and Chair of the program. “Through this program we hope the raise the profile of BC artists while acknowledging the immense potential of people with mental illness, as artists, as citizens, and as contributors to the community. The unique perspectives and experiences of people with mental illness can produce artwork that is particularly engaging.”
The winning works of art will be presented to the recipients of CMHA’s Provincial Awards, which, for the past 13 years has celebrated the individuals, organizations, agencies, businesses and media in our province who best exemplify the spirit of CMHA.
“Presenting the winning art as awards provides both a tangible and symbolic connection between the CMHA Provincial Award winners and the people who they are helping,” says Strand. “The Art for Awards program is a meaningful way to recognize and express gratitude to the outstanding individuals and organizations who are bringing BC closer to CMHA’s vision: mentally healthy people in healthy society.”
Artist submissions to the “Art for Awards” program must be received by the CMHA BC office no later than July 31, 2006. Artists may submit one painting, suitable for framing and no larger than 20” x 24”, through a local CMHA branch. Artists may choose to donate their submitted artwork, apart from the four winning entries awarded as prizes, to CMHA BC for auction to support future awards events, or to have artwork returned to the artist. Visit www.cmha.bc.ca or call 1-800-555-8222 for more information and CMHA branch locations.
Not artistically inclined but still want to recognize someone who’s championed the cause of mental health?
There is still time to is also submit nominations for CMHA Provincial Awards in four categories:
Advocacy Award
recognizes an individual or organization for outstanding efforts towards eliminating the stigma attached to a mental illness, supporting consumer self help initiatives, or advocating for the rights of a person or persons living with a mental illness.
CMHA Champion’s Award
recognizes an individual or organization for extraordinary support and promotion of CMHA’s mission.
Media Award
recognizes an individual or organization from the media field who has provided regular, continuing, or special assistance in promoting mental health issues.
Work and Wellness Award
recognizes an organization which is making mental health promotion a priority in the workplace.
The deadline for CMHA Provincial Award nominations is June 30, 2006. See www.cmha.bc.ca or call 1-800-555-8222 for a nomination form.
Provincial Media Contact
Sarah Hamid-Balma at CMHA BC Division
604-688-3234 or 1-800-555-8222 ext. 225
