EUFAMI is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and to mark the occasion we are organising an art exhibition to promote better mental health. A total of 25 artists from across Europe are being selected by EUFAMI members and partners and curated by an independent panel, for an exhibition at PsycArt’s ‘Espace 51’ gallery in Brussels, opening on 30 November 2017 under the theme of ‘HOME’.
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We chose this theme as we believe that ‘Home is where the heart is’, not only a physical place of bricks and mortar, but also an environment where we feel comfortable and accepted, among people who have our best interests at heart. Over the past 25 years, we have been constantly lobbying at an EU-level for a process of ‘deinstitutionalisation’, which involves getting people out of care facilities and hospices and back within the family and larger community. We believe that this process should be accompanied by measures to support family and informal carers so they can have access to the kind of services and financial support they need to adequately care for a loved-one.
Recent work, such as our paper on family perspectives on services for persons living with schizophrenia as part of the European Brain Council Value of Treatment project has helped collect data and formulate a socio-economic response to the treatment of serious mental ill health. We have also provided input into the EU-Compass for Action on Mental Health and Well-being and collaborated in the consultation process for the EU’s landmark European Pillar of Social Rights.
We believe carers are today’s invisible workforce and we will continue to speak up for their rights in policy circles and as part of our larger network on Facebook and Twitter.
The facade of PsycArt’s ‘Espace 51’ gallery
In preparation for the 25th anniversary celebration, we have been contacting artists within our network of members across Europe to take part in this celebration and we have been humbled by their response to share not only their art but their life stories. Orna Levy speaks about her brother Gil Levy, and his dialogue with great artists from the past and his attempt to reconcile himself with the internal voices in his head. British artist and activist Dolly Sen recounts in detail the impact of abuse on her life’s course, and Italian painter Lorenzo Ludi explains how he found his voice through painting. We’ve also been in touch with EUFAMI’s founding mother Gusta Froonickx , who spoke about her life’s ambition to change the way society deals with mental health. She’s also channelled her creativity through painting.
Françoise Rolain, PsycArt Founder and Director
‘Espace 51’ gallery exhibition space
We are now calling on partner associations, local and national authorities, and other potential funders to help us reach the ambitious target of 10000 USD. We’ve set the bar high but we are confident that you will help support our objectives.
Please remember that the bulk of our work is carried out by unpaid volunteers who care passionately about improving services and financial support for carers across Europe.
Your support, however big or small, is highly valued. Thank you and let’s work together towards improving the circumstances for carers of people with mental ill health.
USEFUL LINKS:
30th November 19:00 – 21:00 (opening). RESERVE YOUR PLACE HERE (IT’S FREE!) 1st December – 8th December - 14:00 – 20:00 (from monday to friday) - 14.00 - 18.00 (saturday / sunday)