'Surrounding' Exhibition 2025
'Surrounding' was a collaborative visual arts project and exhibition co-created by How It Felt and Amina Muslim Women's Resource Centre, as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2025.
'Surrounding' explored the SMHAF 2025 theme of 'Comfort & Disturb' through handmade dioramas, clay sculpture and textile artworks, forming an immersive, room-like installation co-created by participants, through a series of private workshops.
Facilitated by Dundee-based social enterprise How It Felt, in partnership with Amina MWRC Dundee, through a series of private workshops hosted in ScrapAntics Community Space through October.
The final exhibition was held in the ScrapAntics Space from 28th - 30th October 2025, attracting over 70 visitors.
All workshop participants were from BME and Muslim backgrounds. Across four participatory workshops the project had 25-30 participants.
The project aimed to challenge stigma and discrimination that can negatively impact women, particularly Black and minority ethnic women, enabling greater awareness and dialogue around mental wellbeing. It also provided a safe space for discussion, creativity, connection and experimentation through engaging creative workshops, using a variety of art materials.
Through this immersive exhibition, the public was invited to question their beliefs around comfort zones, reflect on how we seek comfort during times of distress, and consider what impacts our mental health and how everyday environments shape it.
Funded by SMHAF Regional Participatory Arts Fund 2025 and DVVA's Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund 2025.
Supported by Transform Community Development and ScrapAntics CIC.
Project Gallery
What Participants Say
“I’ve felt very motivated by you”
— Workshop participant
“I am very happy. My heart is very full. The company is very nice”
— Project participant
“There is happiness in being with people. It’s not as fun on the sofa at home as it is on the sofa here”
— Participant, translated from Urdu
“I was very happy to be part of this group and happy with the beautiful work. It truly brought me peace of mind. Thank you for your efforts."
— Participant
“Very thought provoking and beautiful. Thank you”
— Exhibition visitor
“A place where everyone is equal, safe and loved. Lovely activities and company.”
— Participant and exhibition visitor