In recognition of National Mental Health Month this October, Flourish Australia, one of Australia’s most experienced mental health providers, will host a Feel Good Fête in Surry Hills at Buckingham House on Saturday, 22nd October, from 10am – 4pm. The fête is designed to unite the community and create a day of fun, festivities, stalls, music and feel good ‘free’ workshops. 

To commemorate the inaugural 2022 Fete, Flourish enlisted Archibald Prize winner, Blak Douglas to create a mural at their Surry Hills centre. The artist was briefed to create a mural inspired by complex mental health and community, depicting what these themes mean to him.

Today, more than 800,000 Australians are living with a diagnosis of a complex mental health issue such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe anxiety, or severe depression. For certain groups – including youth, First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, rural and remote residents, and women and children – the challenges are far greater. 

BLAK DOUGLAS’ ARTIST STATEMENT IN REFERENCE TO HIS MURAL: 

In a barren and sometimes unfamiliar landscape, one may question optimism and drive. Only when we search for our innermost ancestral guidance are we able to move forth. Finding the path ahead means consciously avoiding unnecessary diversions and sidetracks. This piece features my signature flat bottom clouds representing a continued ‘pressure system’. The bands in the sky acknowledge ‘Seven Sisters Dreaming’ that tracks from the West coast to East. The sign in this instance, a stylised ‘F’ for Flourish and the clear direction ahead.

ABOUT FLOURISH :  

One of Australia’s leading providers of specialised mental health support services, Flourish Australia is dedicated to coming alongside people on their recovery journey and creating communities and environments where mental wellbeing thrives. 

http://www.flourishaustralia.org.au 

Featured image : Blak Douglas attending to his mural at Buckingham House