PsychArt Manifesto & Charter
“If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”
– Vincent Van Gogh
Our Origin & Vision
Since 2015, a handful of psychiatry trainees saw that art could open new conversations about psychiatry and its broader relationship with mental health.
We will grow PsychArt into a catalyst for change in mental health - building an enduring foundation that champions creativity, challenges orthodoxy and amplifies every voice.
What Drives Us
- Art Is Essential
Creativity is not an afterthought - it can be a lifeline for both the creator and the audience, channelling emotion and building bridges between head and heart. - Experience Over Theory
We don’t just speak at you - we connect you with distinctive voices and hands‑on practice. By curating speakers who extend our reach and immersing participants in creative experiments, we empower everyone to experience art’s impact first hand and form their own insights. - Community-Powered
Every event is co-created by the group: psychiatry trainees, artists, art therapists, students, people with lived experience and interested parties - ensuring every perspective shapes the outcome. - Challenging Conventional Practice
We recognise that mainstream psychiatry often overlooks the creative dimension - limited by funding constraints and skepticism about the efficacy of arts-based approaches. PsychArt bridges this gap by demonstrating and advocating for the therapeutic power of creativity.
How We Work
- Annual Conference—reimagined
A co-curated weekend of keynote talks and creative workshops, alongside quiet spaces to rest and reflect. Each year features an art exhibition and is steered by a cross-disciplinary volunteer committee. - Workshops & Salons
Regular salons and workshops bring artists, clinicians, therapists, service users, caregivers and other stakeholders together to exchange practice, provoke fresh ideas and forge collaborations. - Purposeful Partnerships
We collaborate with NHS trusts, mental-health charities and grassroots arts groups to deliver dynamic, varied content across diverse settings—no lecture halls required.
Our Promise
- Diverse Voices
Scientists, clinicians, celebrity advocates and people with lived experience share the stage as equals. - Constant Iteration
With annual committee refreshes and leadership rotations every two years, PsychArt stays agile, timely and driven by fresh perspectives. - Accessibility First
Free or low-cost events and accessible venues with anyone welcome
With Gratitude
We honour every volunteer. Those who sparked PsychArt’s beginnings, those powering it today and those yet to join our ranks - whose passion and effort make everything possible.
We also extend special thanks to Dr Frank Rochricht, MD FRCPsych (Consultant Psychiatrist & Medical Director, ELFT; Honorary Professor of Psychiatry, QMUL), whose funding assistance, speaker curation and continuous mentorship from the start ensure PsychArt stays true to its mission as it evolves.
Join The Movement
Pitch an idea. Volunteer to co-curate. Host us. Simply show up with an open mind.
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