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The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival runs until Sunday, November 9, with one of its most ambitious and far-reaching programmes yet, including events in East Kilbride. The festival’s 2025 theme, Comfort & Disturb, references the famous Cesar A Cruz quote that “art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable”. It is a simple expression of the power of art both to challenge and to console, often having a transformative effect on people and societies. The theme was collectively chosen by SMHAF’s team of regional co-ordinators, along with the arts team from the Mental Health Foundation. Across Scotland, hundreds of programme events have been developed in response to this powerful theme. Gail Aldam, Arts and Events Manager for the Mental Health Foundation, said: “We’re proud to see this year’s Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival programme come to life, shaped by our brilliant local co-ordinators across Scotland including Lanarkshire. “The theme, Comfort & Disturb, captures the spirit of the festival: offering solace while challenging stigma and inequality. It’s inspiring to witness the creativity and courage communities are bringing to it with a fantastic programme of events.” Reflecting the festival’s grassroots approach, community groups and community-focused organisations across Scotland are bringing their own creativity to exploring this year’s festival theme through music, film, theatre, art and other events. Events in East Kilbride include Young at Heart on October 27 and November 3 beginning at 11.30am at East Kilbride Arts Centre. This is a free one-hour dance workshops inviting participants to explore movement and exercise in a relaxed and supportive environment. There is also a Paint with Wool workshop on October 29 and November 5 and 12 starting at 10am also at East Kilbride Arts Centre. Those taking part can learn to “paint with wool” and create a seasonal felted picture, taking time to slow down and connect with nature. The full programme for SMHAF 2025 is now online at www.mhfestival.com. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here .
