Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2024
‘Unveiled’ was a collaborative project between Amina MWRC Dundee and How It Felt, as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2024. A series of workshops were held during September 2024, for BME and Muslim women to explore their experiences of mental health, stigma and identity. Culminating in a final exhibition during SMHAF 2024.
Project Overview
During supported workshops led by lead artist Arati Ahmed and the How It Felt team, participants created mixed media artworks of hijabs, adorned with words and imagery exploring mental health, identity and representation, in response to the festival theme 'In/Visible'. Using fabric, sewing, painting, drawing, writing and collage.
A final exhibition was held in the ScrapAntics' Community Space, during the week of Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2024.
A private opening took place on Tuesday 22nd October for friends, family, staff and funders, and the work was also on display to the public during ScrapAntics' community drop-in session 'ScrapThursday'.
All artworks featured were created by BME and Muslim women in Dundee, through a series of creative workshops and supported discussion.
The exhibition highlighted the stories of often under-represented voices, and enabled the participants to explore their experiences of mental health, stigma and identity.
'Unveiled' was a vibrant celebration of the hijab, amplifying the voices of BME & Muslim women and offering a platform for positive conversations.
Community Impact
- 65 members of the public visited the final 'Unveiled' exhibition
- 30 participants took part over 3 weekly workshops
- Over 30 artworks created
- 3 local artists were involved in the organisation, planning and delivery of the project
- 'Unveiled' put Dundee on the map during SMHAF 2024, a nationwide festival.
- Participants reported feeling supported, valued, and empowered throughout the process, and they particularly enjoyed the creative activities.
- Workshops promoted the benefits of mindful creative activities that promote self-care and relaxation.
Thanks to
Generously funded by SMHAF Regional Support Fund 2024
DVVA Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund 2024
ScrapAntics CIC for providing materials, and the venue for participant workshops and final exhibition.
Project Gallery
What Participants Say
Hijabs can make you feel targeted by the public because its on display, but actually makes us feel stronger and more confident in ourselves.
— Participant
Women working together is magical and powerful!
— Participant
Hijabs create friendships and bring us together!
— Participant
Amazing work from all involved, showcases the power of bringing diverse voices together in friendship and support!
— Funding Officer from DVVA
So eye-opening to know more about Muslim women. Interesting to find out how much women wear the hijab with pride. Lovely exhibition.
— Public exhibition visitor
Congratulations on creating such powerful and meaningful artworks with the ladies.
— Partnership staff