Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2026

The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) returns from 19 October to 8 November 2026, celebrating its 20th year with the theme Reflections.

The festival brings together creativity and mental health through exhibitions, workshops, performances, film, music, writing and other creative activities. It is led by the Mental Health Foundation and takes place across Scotland.

This year’s theme invites us to slow down, look back and think about how our experiences, stories and creativity shape our mental health.

What’s happening in Edinburgh?

There are already a number of events taking place in and around Edinburgh during the festival.

10 by 10: A Celebration of Room For Art

20 to 22 October | OOTB Drill Hall, Edinburgh

This free exhibition celebrates 10 years of Room For Art, an Art in Healthcare social prescribing project supporting adults across Edinburgh through creative workshops.

The exhibition will showcase work from people who have taken part in the project and celebrate the role creativity can play in connection, self-expression and wellbeing.

Out of Sight Out of Mind

20 October to 8 November | Summerhall, Edinburgh

Out of Sight Out of Mind returns for its 14th year as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival.

The exhibition gives people with experience of mental health issues a chance to share their artwork and have their voices heard. This year’s exhibition will feature hundreds of artworks and a programme of events at Summerhall.

Mental Health & Wellbeing in the Traditional Arts

8 November | Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh

This free workshop will explore some of the pressures that can come with working in the traditional arts, including financial uncertainty, irregular work and the pressure to keep going.

It will be a chance to talk openly about wellbeing, share experiences and explore practical ways of looking after yourself and others.

Find more local events

More events may be added to the programme over the coming weeks. You can search the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival programme by location, date, artform and event type, including events in Edinburgh and West Lothian.

You don’t need to be an artist or have any creative experience to take part. There are lots of different ways to get involved, from visiting an exhibition to trying something new at a workshop or performance.