Art for Mental Health
About Us
Since 2015 Art for Mental Health has been raising awareness and reducing stigma towards the illness. They do this by holding art events and creating a supportive community that allows people to safely express themselves, reducing stigma towards the illness.
Art for Mental Health was created by Randy - Joe Sidawi when he was struggling in school and found there was a lack of community and help for mental health. Seeing an opportunity to create this much needed community in Ottawa. The event was to be held on parliament hill to provide a space for painting and art in honour of those suffering from mental health conditions. In 2015 he started the program with 650 people attending, this number increased annually due to the great need for community in a stigma free environment.
MENTAL HEALTH IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS PHYSICAL HEALTH
Our Mission
Our main goal is to raise awareness of mental health, and the importance of art as a treatment. Because mental illness affects everyone, we seek to provide support for families, individuals and those affected to build better and healthier communities.
Our Vision
Art for Mental Health seeks to provide a safe space and raise awareness about mental health in order to reduce stigma and improve community.
Art for Mental Health is part of a movement to maintain well being by allowing people to express themselves openly in an accepting space.
Meet The Team
Carina Karamoun
Communications Director and Volunteer Organizer
Randy Sidaoui
Executive Director
Ann Herard
Community Engagement Projects Manager
Michel Antoun
Marketing and Public Relations
Jessica Khalil
Art Show Organizer
Tifanny Cheng
Logistics Manager