Mental Health Arts Festival

The Mental Health Arts Festival at Gasteig HP8 has a varied programme of workshops, hands-on activities, panel discussions and special concerts. And what’s more: Admission is entirely free!

Focus on mental health

Mental health awareness is gaining ground in our society and our personal perception. But insecurity and a reluctance to talk openly about burn-out, depression and the like can present barriers to improving our mental health. Besides, talking about these issues alone is not enough.

Taking place for the third time this year from October 22 til 26, the Mental Health Arts Festival provided a platform for art as well as an opportunity to actively take part in a host of activities. Everyone can participate and benefit from the feel-good factor in dancing, relaxing or being creative. At readings, panel discussions, interactive sessions and workshops led by experts with first-hand experience, you can openly discuss topics such as depression, resilience and social stigmatisation.

Attendance and participation in the festival is entirely free, and anyone – neurotypical and neurodiverse alike – can take part. Whether you are personally affected by mental health issues or just interested in the topic, you’ll find a safe space here to find out what works for you. We are also providing a relaxation space as a low-stimulus retreat for when you need a break and want to reflect on what you have experienced.

Festival partners

• ich bin alles – information portal on depression and mental health in children and adolescents. This project was initiated by the clinic and polyclinic for child and adolescent psychiatry, psychosomatics and psychotherapy at the LMU Klinikum München in partnership with the Beisheim Foundation.
• MHFA Ersthelfer and MHFA Youth – a mental health first aider programme  run by mental health institute Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit in Mannheim in partnership with the Beisheim Foundation.
• Münchner Bündnis gegen Depression e. V. – at the stand of the “Munich Alliance against Depression” charity, you can find out all about local depression-related support services. Visitors are also invited to take part in a short quiz where you can test your knowledge and learn more about the causes and symptoms of depression as well as available support services.

Exhibition

From 17 to 30 October, you can view works by artist Sybille Rath, who deals with mental health in her work, on the exhibition wall in Hall E.

Who is behind the festival?

The Mental Health Arts Festival is an event of the Gasteig Cultural Foundation in cooperation with Gasteig München GmbH and sponsored by the Beisheim Foundation. In collaboration with AETAS Kinderstiftung, AOK Bayern, Bayern 2, the Go Mental! film festival, Krisendienste Bayern, Mental Health First Aid, Münchner Bündnis gegen Depression e. V., Münchner Public Library, Münchner Volkshochschule, Theateratelier München and Zeit Campus. With the kind support of Munich RE and Motel One

A look back at past festivals