This November, we’re proud to be part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF) – a nationwide celebration exploring how art, film, music and performance can open up conversations about mental health.
The 2025 theme, “Comfort and Disturb,” invites us to think about how creativity can both soothe and challenge, helping us process emotions, connect with others and imagine new ways of being.
At OutPost Arts, we believe that creativity can transform not only how we express ourselves but also how we connect as communities. This year, our SMHAF programme brings that belief to life through three distinct but connected projects across Dumfries & Galloway.
Comfort and Disturb: Making Space for Creativity in Mental Health
On Monday 3 November, we’re teaming up with Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway to host a special edition of the Mental Health Forum at The Grain Store, Dumfries.
Expect a lively, creative mix of workshops, table talks and showcases, all exploring how creativity can comfort, challenge and inspire new ways of thinking about mental health.
It’s free and open to everyone, whether you’re working in health, arts, community support or simply curious about creative wellbeing.
Book your free space by clicking here.
TWELVE by Heather Bestel
From 25 October 2025 to 5 January 2026, Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary will host TWELVE, a deeply personal exhibition by artist Heather Bestel.
Created during her first year of recovery from complex PTSD, TWELVE is made up of twelve mixed-media works – one for each month of her healing journey. The materials tell their own story: medication packaging, found papers and layered textures that reflect fragility and resilience.
Heather describes the work as “the most honest and vulnerable I’ve ever made… pieces that were created out of necessity, not exhibition.”
We’re honoured to support Heather in sharing her story, one that reminds us how art can be both survival and transformation.
DG Creative Wellbeing: Press Play
Rounding out our SMHAF season, Press Play (7–9 November at The Standard, Dumfries) showcases the creativity of participants from our Art Journal Project and Creative Toolbox Youth Group.
Adults explored wellbeing through clay, handmade paint and mindful making, while young people created art, poetry and film inspired by Mrs Campbell’s Fifth Period by Leyla Josephine.
The result is a joyful, intergenerational celebration of creativity, courage and connection – proof that when people are given space and support to create, amazing things happen.
Together, Comfort and Disturb, TWELVE and Press Play form a powerful trio reflecting how creativity can help us make sense of ourselves and the world around us.
Find out more about all our SMHAF 2025 events here or follow us on social media for updates, stories and reflections throughout the festival.
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