In the 2010-2011 Hong Kong Chief Executive’s Policy Address, entitled “Sharing Prosperity for a Caring Society,” an exclusive emphasis has been placed on the need for “district leaders and residents to show more understanding and support” for those who require mental health services. Although it was cited that the creation of Integrated Community Centres for Mental Illness has been successful, there is still a pivotal need for greater interventions to provide increased education to the community, while also bridging social gaps and eliminating barriers as a result of stigma.
Taking up the challenge to close the social distance between people living with mental illness and members of the community, the Centre on Behavioral Health at the University of Hong Kong in partnership with the Lok Hong Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness is launching the “Season of Art and Mental Health Awareness” campaign in October 2012. This art therapy exhibition will tour around different parts of Hong Kong and showcase 20 art pieces created by people living with mental illness. The exhibition will form a unique platform for communication and support, as it enables client-artists to share their lives, hopes and dreams with the general public, while providing public viewers a glimpse into their inner worlds to garner greater understanding. Funded by the Public Policy Research Fund (HKU7006-PPR-11), this exhibition hopes to identify public misconceptions towards mental illness, and advocates for more comprehensive policy change to raise mental health awareness.
