What’s On
Now in its 18th year, the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival takes place from 10 – 27 October 2024 exploring the theme of ‘In/Visible’.
Our diverse Renfrewshire programme is listed below and contains exhibitions, talks, creative walks and opportunities to get involved in visual arts, poetry, drumming and more!
The Renfrewshire programme is delivered by partners, supported by Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership.
Seeing Me
Photo-diaries (exhibition)
Thursday 10 – Wednesday 23 October
(opening hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9.15am – 5pm and Tuesdays, 9.15am – 8pm)
Paisley Central Library, 22 High Street, Paisley, PA1 2BS (exhibition is on ground floor)
Many people affected by mental health issues experience social withdrawal, low self -esteem and a loss of identity. ‘Seeing Me’ explores the subject of identity in mental health via the use of photo-diaries as a form of self-portraiture.
Happilele
Sunday 13, 20 and 27 October, 11am – 1.30pm
Disability Resource Centre, 74 Love Street, Paisley, PA3 2EA
Beginner ukulele lessons with lots of tips and techniques to boost health and happiness!
8yrs+ (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
For more information or to book a place, contact janine@wellhappy.scot or call 01294 461730.
Paisley Drop-in
Monday 14 and Monday 21 October, 5.30pm – 7pm
Finding Your Feet, The FYF Charity Hub, St James House, 25 Saint James’ Street, Paisley, Scotland, PA3 2HQ
As part of the festival theme of In/Visible, we’ll be using song writing, slam poetry, mural boards, mask making and poster design to share our thoughts.
For young people aged 12 – 18.
Sign up with CREATE Paisley here. For more information, email nicola.ferguson@createpaisley.org.uk
Neuro Art – Through the Autism Lens
Exhibition
Tuesday 15 – Friday 18 October, 11am – 3.30pm
Saturday 19 October, 10am – 4pm (alongside craft market)
Launch event on Tuesday 15 October at 12.30pm (with food and drinks)
Restoration and Creation, 8 Browns Lane, Paisley, PA1 2JH
An inspiring exhibition showcasing the incredible talents of Renfrewshire’s autistic artists. Experience the unique perspectives and creativity that highlight the visibility and abilities within the autism community.
For information on submitting artwork by Friday 27 September, email bernadette.collins@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
Paisley Museum’s Invisible Stories
Tuesday 15 October, 11am – 12noon and 1.30pm – 2.30pm
Outspoken Arts Scotland Ltd, The Art Department, 2 – 10 Causeyside Street, Paisley, PA1 1UN
Explore and handle a range of fascinating objects from Paisley Museum in this relaxed and conversational workshop. Together, we will create and uncover their hidden stories.
Suitable for adults aged 18+.
Arts Collective of Paisley Open Mic Night – In/Visible
Tuesday 15 October, 7pm – 9pm
Kettle Black, 3 County Place, Paisley PA1 1BN
Open Mic event for all forms of creative expression focused around the festival theme In/Visible. We ask that pieces shared are suitable for a 12+ audience.
We also invite you to join us for our regular monthly gatherings on the second Tuesday of each month, same time and place.
Paisley Pattern Printing
Wednesday 16 October, 11am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 3pm
Outspoken Arts Scotland Ltd, The Art Department, 2 – 10 Causeyside Street, Paisley, PA1 1UN
Get inspired by the beautiful Shawl Collection at Paisley Museum. Play with colour and Paisley Pattern printing to create your own, scarf, headband or handkerchief. Make it your own!
Suitable for adults aged 18+.
Invisible Footsteps – A Walk With Robert Tannahill, Paisley Poet
Wednesday 16 October, 1pm – 4pm; Saturday 19 October, 1pm – 4pm
Meet for 1pm at Tannahill’s Cottage, Queen Street, Paisley, PA1 2TT
An interactive walk led by local artist and historian Lil Brookes which will visit key points in Tannahill’s life and works.
The walks will include poetry recitals and music. Participants will also be invited to sketch pictures in charcoal and write their own poetry which will be shown for the remainder of the festival in a flash exhibition after the event.
To book a place, email James Power at james.power@ramh.org or call 0141 4047788.
‘See’ the In/Visible
Wednesday 16 October, 1pm – 3pm
The STAR Project, 12-14 Wallace Street, Paisley, PA3 2BU
Using blind drawing to challenge self-stigma (negative thoughts we hold about ourselves), we’ll be exploring different sides of ourselves in a fun and creative way.
For more information or to book a place, email enquiries@star-project.org.uk
YouthFULL Linwood
Wednesday 16 and Wednesday 23 October, 4.30pm – 6pm
Belmar Court, Linwood, PA3 3EE
Using songwriting, slam poetry, mural boards, mask-making and poster design to share our thoughts.
For young people aged 12 – 18.
Sign up with CREATE Paisley here. For more information, email nicola.ferguson@createpaisley.org.uk
Tolobela Yango – Let’s talk about it!
Thursday 17 October, 10am – 1pm
Tannahill Centre, 76 Blackstoun Road, Paisley, PA3 1NT
This event for families with neurodiverse children is an opportunity to explore the benefits of talking therapy and share challenges to each other while doing bead making and sewing alteration.
Followed by an opportunity for families to relax, dance and laugh with a party afternoon delivered by Pachedu.
To book a space, call 07491 476967 (or 07404 220460 / 07889 677701)
The Buddy Beat
Thursday 17 and Thursday 24 October, 10.30am – 12noon
Johnstone High Parish Church Halls, Ludovic Square, Johnstone, PA5 8EE
Join The Buddy Beat for a wonderful workshop including drumming, percussion and song. Drumming is a wonderful tool to help with your wellbeing.
For more information, visit www.thebuddybeat.org.
This event is free and tea and coffee will be provided
For more information, email tom.thebuddybeat@sky.com
Create Club
Thursday 17 and Thursday 24 October, 4pm – 5.30pm
Active Communities, Station Seven, Quarry Street, Johnstone, PA5 8DY
Using songwriting, slam poetry, mural boards, mask making and poster design to share our thoughts.
For young people aged 12 – 18.
Sign up with CREATE Paisley here. For more information, email nicola.ferguson@createpaisley.org.uk
Weaving Hidden Landscapes
Friday 18 October, 11am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 3pm
Outspoken Arts Scotland Ltd, The Art Department, 2 – 10 Causeyside Street, Paisley, PA1 1UN
Join us for a mindful weaving workshop inspired by Paisley Museum’s painting collection. Contemplate the colours and balance of some of our favourite landscape paintings and the hidden stories behind the artworks. Select fabrics and yarns to weave your own beautiful landscape.
Suitable for adults aged 18+.
Dance4all
Monday 21 October, 1pm – 2pm
Tannahill Centre, 76 Blackstoun Rd, Paisley PA3 1NT
Inclusive dance class for adults of all abilities. Carers are welcome to join in too.
For more information, email info@right2dance.com or call 07508 884760.
Dance4all
Tuesday 22 October, 6pm – 6.45pm
West College Scotland, Renfrew Road, Paisley PA3 4DR
Inclusive dance class for adults of all abilities. Carers are welcome to join in too.
For more information, email info@right2dance.com or call 07508 884760.
Energise
Tuesday 22 October, 6pm – 6.45pm
West College Scotland, Renfrew Road, Paisley PA3 4DR
Get fit, get funky, have fun! This class is perfect for those who want to get moving and have fun.
For more information, email info@right2dance.com or call 07508 884760.
Revitalise
Tuesday 22 October, 7pm – 7.45pm
West College Scotland, Renfrew Road, Paisley PA3 4DR
Breathe, unwind and relax. Gentle movement to help the stress of day melt away.
For more information, email info@right2dance.com or call 07508 884 760.
Feeling All Write on a Tuesday
Tuesday 22 and Tuesday 29 October, 11am – 12.30pm
The Art Department, Paisley Centre, 2-10 Causeyside Street, Paisley PA1 1UQ
Two 90-minute sessions showcasing inspiring stories and objects from Paisley Museum and offering the chance to develop creative writing techniques that can improve mental health.
This workshop is for adults aged 18+.
A Brew and a Blether: In/Visible Special
Wednesday 23 October, 3pm – 5pm
Kairos Women+, Unit 56-60 Embroidery Mill, Abbey Mill Business Centre, Paisley PA1 1TJ
Storytelling is a powerful tool that connects people together. Join us for the launch of our special podcast episode and listen to the voices and stories of women+ as they recount their experiences of mental health and visibility in society.
For more information, email roisin@kairoswomen.org or call 0141 378 5078.
In/Visible Panel & Music Event
Friday 25 October, doors 6.30pm
Erskine Arts, Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine, PA87AF
An evening of chat and music with special guests Davie Scott, Joy Dunlop and Rachelle Rienne, hosted by Colin Kelly. Exploring this year’s festival theme, join us for light discussion and live performances.
Tickets are priced at for ‘pay what you can’ – select the ticket price you are comfortable with at www.bookwhen.com/erskinearts
For more information, email info@erskinearts.co.uk
Amplify to Satisfy
Sunday 27 October, 1pm – 4pm
Paisley West Church, King Street, Paisley PA1 2LS
Music will be used to amplify the lived experience of ethnically-diverse people which is satisfying and encouraging to others to speak up and seek support.
To book a space, email info.infadens3@gmail.com
Men Don’t Talk
Thursday 14 November, 7.30pm (doors open 7pm)
Paisley Arts Centre, 15 New Street, Paisley PA1 1EZ
Three men find banter, bird boxes and biscuits in a fictional men’s shed, which celebrates companionship, camaraderie … and custard creams. Clare Prenton’s poignant, hilarious, moving and thought-provoking play explores the myth that ‘men don’t talk’.
Tickets available online from OneRen Box Office.
£10 or £8 for concessions
Age 14+