An emergency appeal for mental health charities has been launched to tackle the ‘mental health emergency’ caused by the current health crisis.
The #CreateArt4Hope appeal organised by The Visual Artists Association and Chester Arts Fair aims to raise £100,000 for mental health charities to deliver vital front-line services.
People who donate “no matter how small” will receive a collection of four A3 size limited edition prints that organisers say are “worth hundreds of pounds”
The prints will be of artwork created by award-winning artists’ including international sculptor Emma Rodgers, illustrator Carne Griffiths, fine landscape artist Michael Batey and contemporary animal painter, Tammy Walters.
Laura O’Hare, Director of the appeal said: “It is a mental health emergency and artists want to support the nation in the effort to fight this pandemic.
“The #CreateArt4Hope appeal makes art accessible to all, given the financial hardship some are facing.
“Throughout the pandemic, art has played an important role in supporting the nation's mental health.
“There have been a number of viral art initiatives including the Rainbow Appeal, Portraits for NHS, as well as an upsurge in people taking online art courses.
“This appeal is a way to thank you for your donations to support mental health services during the crisis.”
Beth Knudsen from the charity Mind said it was important to take action now as the impact of coronavirus on mental health is starting to have an impact.
She added: “This is our window of opportunity to support vital services.
“A donation to Mind supports everyone experiencing a mental health problem during these difficult times – whether they’re struggling with isolation, anxious about their or their loved one’s health, worrying about the future, or fighting on the frontline to save lives.”
The appeal closes at midnight on June 30.
To receive the free artwork collection, make a charitable donation on the www.createart4hope.co.uk fundraising page.
The limited-edition art collection comes with a stamp and certificate of authenticity.
Organisers are also planning to release a second collection of artwork at a later date.
