Mental Health Arts Network: Artist Commissions Premiere

A showcase of powerful and deeply personal new work commissioned by the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, followed by a conversation with artists Robyn Woolston, Sarah Forrest and Huss.

The evening will include screenings of three short films:

Swell by Robyn Woolston
(world premiere)
A film made in the months following a brain tumour diagnosis, exploring how medical practice, entanglement and trauma intersect when confronting life-changing events.

HTSUOGHT by Sarah Forrest
(world premiere)
A collaboration with Sarah’s nephew Ruaridh who has ADHD, combining animation, video footage and spoken word recordings to explore the idea that there is no ‘correct’ way for the brain to work.

Until We Return by Huss
A meditation on memory and home, composed of fragments shot during the Huss’s final visit to Cairo just before he was outed and forced into exile.

Mental Health Arts Network

The Mental Health Arts Network is a year-round initiative by the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival to bring together a community of artists interested in making creative work about mental health.

SMHAF’s 20th Year programme in 2026 will include a new round of artist commissions. If you’ve ever thought about applying, don’t miss this opportunity to meet some of the artists previously selected for our commissions programme.