In March 2018, two talented Queensland Aboriginal artists, Aunty Denise Proud and emerging artist Ailsa Walsh, dedicated their time, art and minds to shine a light on mental health stereotypes at Anglicare’s award-winning Arts & Minds 2018 campaign.

Aunty Denise Proud

Artwork by Ailsa Walsh

The campaign paired five leading Queensland artists from a variety of disciplines with five gifted emerging artists.

Together, their aim was to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness by inspiring the community through their artwork.

The Arts & Minds 2018 campaign was a vital step in the journey for creating open and honest conversation on mental health issues and encouraging vulnerable individuals to seek help.

“We have people in our community with mental illness,” said Aunty Denise, “and I think our Aboriginal community is very accepting. They’re just part of the family. We treat people the same as we would treat anyone else. I think it’s important that we do this …  to work with our young people to share that knowledge.”

Ailsa Walsh

Michelle Le Pla, from Anglicare’s Marketing and Communications unit, was involved in the campaign every step of the way.

“It was touching to see everyone sharing their stories and being involved”, said Michelle.

The shared journeys of the five paired artists was recorded in an eight-hour web series, which can be accessed here.

The campaign finished with a gala event held at 480 Queen Street, where the 10 artworks were auctioned to raise funds for Anglicare programs.

Aunty Denise Proud and Ailsa Walsh’s stunning artworks were purchased by radio and TV presenter, Meshel Laurie, who was MC for the gala night.

To see Anglicare’s Arts & Minds 2018 webseries and view the artists’ full profiles, click here; and the Arts & Minds Facebook page is here.

Artwork by Aunty Denise Proud