MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday 6th March 2008

For Immediate Release

Exhibition launch to celebrate art in recovery from mental illness

Amaroo Arts, a program of Mind, is being launched by Hobson’s Bay Mayor Bill Baarini at the ‘Art Mirrors Life’ exhibition, which celebrates arts-based practice as part of a holistic approach to recovery from mental illness.

Art Mirrors Life is a collection of exploratory and thoughtful self portraits on the theme of self-identity. Meet the artists through their work and see how the creative process informs and communicates who we are and our relationship to the world around us.

The exhibition not only celebrates the launch of Mind’s, Amaroo Arts program, but also forms part of the Hobson’s Bay City Council’s Art in Public Places initiative.

Mind’s CEO, Robyn Duff commented that participating in an arts program supports people to develop a strong sense of identity, build positive relationships with other and develop creative skills.

“The Art Mirrors Life exhibition provides an opportunity for the many artists involved to share their artwork with the community, whilst celebrating the hard work that has gone into the exhibition” added Ms Duff.

“The exhibition and Arts program provides a great addition to our services in the West and was made possible through funding from the Commonwealth Government’s day to day living initiative.“

Opening night will be held on Thursday March 6 from 5 – 7pm at Altona Civic Centre, with the exhibition running until April 20. All profits from the sale of each artwork goes directly to the artist.

For more information about the Amaroo Arts program or to attend the opening, contact: (03) 9397 2709 or email amarooarts@mindaustralia.org.au.

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About Amaroo Arts

Amaroo Arts provides a supportive and creative environment that facilitates personal development with an emphasis on individual creative goals and creates linkages with the local community through art exhibitions, community art projects and art outings.

The importance of the creative process is central to the program approach. The program components support different aspects of the creative process for people at various stages of their creative development. Studio-based groups aim to provide access to creative activity and arts-based practice in order to increase skills and confidence in creative expression.

These are run up to four times a week and include studio art, open studio, art peer support and creative skills development workshops.

Mind’s Amaroo Arts Program is available to people experiencing a mental illness who live in the cities of Hobson’s Bay, Wyndham and Maribyrnong.

Background – Mind (formerly Richmond Fellowship Victoria & South Australia)

Mind has been operating for more than 30 years and is one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit, non-government providers of mental health services to people recovering from a mental illness.  Mind also assists people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to access community services including safe and stable accommodation.
Each year Mind helps more than 2,000 people to rebuild their lives, reconnect with family, friends and the community and rediscover a purpose in life.