About
In brief
Out of Sight Out of Mind is an annual exhibition shows artworks made by people who have who have experience of mental health issues. It is a platform for people to say what they want to say using their art. It is also planned by people who have experience of mental health issues.
Artworks are in many different media and explore a wide range of themes. People take part for many different reasons, including, personal expression, to tell a story, to join with others, as part of an art practice, for therapeutic benefit, and even for fun.
It takes place during October each year at Summerhall. After the physical exhibition has ended, photos of it are shared and kept on this website.
Each Out of Sight Out of Mind is unique, shaped by that years group of planners and exhibitors.
Film & archive exhibition
For the 10th year anniversary in 2023, a short film was commissioned (and is a recommended watch!) and an archive room was created within the exhibition. They described and celebrated the establishment of Scotland’s biggest mental health art exhibition.
Collaboration
OOSOOM Planning Group
The exhibition is planned and directed by the OOSOOM Planning Group. Members all have lived experience of mental health issues. They work on a voluntary basis. Their work and the project are facilitated by CAPS Independent Advocacy. They work in collaboration with the exhibitors, organisations and the projects partners. Read more below in the How We Work section.
CAPS Independent Advocacy
Out of Sight Out of Mind is a Collective Advocacy project at CAPS Independent Advocacy. For them the exhibition is a platform for people who have experience of mental health issues, who want to have their voices heard using the arts.
Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival
The exhibition is part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, and was the inspiration for the first exhibition in 2013. Exhibitors often respond the festival’s annual theme. The festival and the Mental Health Foundation continue to be important partners.
Summerhall
Considered the home of the exhibition. The Planning Group, volunteers and exhibitors all look forward to being in the building each October, and working with the install team and building staff.
Guiding Principles
• All of the artworks exhibited are made by people with lived experience of mental health issues
• Everyone’s artwork is of equal value, we do not make judgements on quality, value or artistic merit
• Artworks do not have to be about the topic of mental health. OOSOOM is a platform for people’s own voices using the arts
• Artworks can be in any form or media
• We aim to take in to account the wishes and needs of everyone involved wherever possible
• Only artworks previously not shown at this exhibition can be shown as the exhibition aims to be a fresh experience each year
• An artwork may be refused on grounds such as, advocacy, legality, safety, or another reason agreed by the organisers
• The exhibition will work within the ‘Principles of Independent Advocacy’, which govern CAPS Independent Advocacy
How We Work
Out of Sight Out of Mind is an advocacy project which means that it is the OOSOOM Planning Group that drive and shape this work. Each member has their own experience of mental health issues, and they use their experiences, skills, and passion to develop the work. They ensure that people with mental health issues remain at the centre of the work.
The OOSOOM Planning Group works closely with the Arts As Advocacy Manager at CAPS Independent Advocacy, as well as the exhibitors, organisations and project partners.
They meet throughout the year, and direct every aspect of the work. Members get involved in specific tasks, such as curation, PR, setting up the exhibition and the many practical tasks.
They are a diverse group, some have been involved for years and new people join each year. People have a range of interests and experience in art and mental health.
They, along with everyone involved and within a changing world, ensure that Out of Sight Out of Mind is responding to the needs of people with mental health issues and is the best it can be each year.
Exhibitors
The exhibition is a platform for the exhibitors to show their artwork in any media and on any topic. The diversity makes the exhibition unique each year.
Many exhibitors take part each year, some are part of art groups, and others hear about the ‘call for art’ from a variety of sources. Exhibitors can apply for small materials grants in the first half of the year.
If you or your group would like to take part, then please speak to a member of the team, or get in touch with CAPS by email exhibition@capsadvocacy.org or by phone 07989 402634
Background
The first Out of Sight Out of Mind exhibition took place in 2013 and since then it has grown to be one of the biggest exhibition of its kind in Scotland.
It began when a group of people with experience of mental health issues and people in organisations heard about the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival and said together – lets’ do an exhibition! What we see today is a result and a continuation of their work.
Out of Sight Out of Mind has in recent years had around 200 exhibitors and an audience of 2000 people. It continues to involve the participation, support and partnership of many individuals and organisations. Each year new members join with those more experienced in the Planning Group.
Since the beginning OOSOOM has been shown at Summerhall, although in different areas of the building. As the previous site of the Royal (Dick) Veterinary College it offers a range of interesting spaces for the team to curate. The OOSOOM team and exhibitors embrace the character of the building, from traditional white gallery style rooms, to unusual spaces like corridors with crumbling paint and to the disused ‘machine room’.
This website was created in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now means that the work can be keep being viewed long after the physical exhibition has ended.
From 2020-2025, Out of Sight Out of Mind was funded by Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership. Until September 2026 it is funded thanks to players of the People’s Postcode. It has recently been successful with funding from City of Edinburgh Local Events Open Fund. However, we are still seeking funds so that OOSOOM can continue in the future.
If you or your group are interested in taking part in future Out of Sight Out of Mind exhibitions, or if you would like to keep in touch with us and receive updates, or if you have any questions please get in touch.
Sources of mental health support
If you are worried about your mental health, seeking help early is the best way to get back on track. Speak to your GP or contact one of the helplines found by using the Sources of Support button below.