In December, the Threads of Being exhibition took place at Talk C.E.C in Brussels, bringing together artists, advocates, and policymakers to explore mental health through artistic expression. Organised by Mental Health Europe (MHE), the exhibition aimed to create space for dialogue on mental well-being, identity, and lived experience through a diverse collection of works.
The exhibition featured contributions from several artists whose work engaged with themes of mental health, stigma, and resilience. The works were submitted via an open call and selected by a jury including Melis Ari-Gurhanli (Mieli Mental Health Finland), Cornelia Kiss (Culture Action Europe) and Marina Mussapi (Moleskine Foundation).
Through photography, painting, and mixed media, the exhibition encouraged visitors to consider different perspectives on mental health and the ways it shapes personal and collective experiences. Exhibitors included Julie Daly (Ireland), Tea Geitel and Hannakaisa Länsisalmi (Finland), Seppe Bayens and Pascal Poissonnier (Belgium), Aline Gerrards (Netherlands), Gabija Gaidjurgyte (Lithuania), Elisaveta Kopp (Germany), Gerda Leefers and Studio Koekoek (Netherlands), Marouf Maida and Viv Magia (Kurdistan, Iran and Finland), Kirsi-Marja Moberg (Finland), Rik Rosbak and Bas Steens (Netherlands), Coen van Rooij (Netherlands) and Santa Silina (Latvia).
The Evens Foundation supported the exhibition as part of its exploration of mental health advocacy in 2024. Further support was provided by the CERV programme of the European Union, Porticus, the European Cultural Foundation and the Moleskine Foundation.
The launch event was attended by members of the public, mental health advocates, and policymakers, who spoke about the importance of addressing mental health at the European level. Their participation highlighted the growing recognition of mental well-being as a key issue in public policy and the role of culture in fostering awareness and understanding.
For more information about Mental Health Europe and their work, visit mentalhealtheurope.org.