2026 Call For Art is Open!
ID: A group of people stand together facing the camera. They wear orange t shirts and are smiling.
Closing date: Monday 31 August 2026 (midday)
2026 is happening! Just a bit differently
OOSOOM 2026 will present hundreds of artworks made by people with experience of mental health issues and will be focused in one gallery. A day of events, an afternoon tea, and the slow release of hundreds of artworks will extend its reach beyond the gallery walls, creating more connections, thoughts, ideas, moments and more.
Call For Art
People with experience of having a mental health issue are invited to take part in the 14th Out of Sight Out of Mind exhibition at Summerhall in Edinburgh, 20 October to 8 November 2026.
Exhibitors will make their art on canvases, that we supply. They will also have the option to make a second artwork that will be given away during the exhibition. Everyone will be welcome to take part in events.
Individuals and groups can take part.
Exhibitors will be given two flat canvas boards.
One canvas will be displayed and you can collect it at the end of the exhibition.
The second canvas is optional and will be given away during the exhibition.
Draw, paint, create anything you like on your canvas(es). Any topic or style.
You can respond to this year’s SMHAF theme ‘Reflections’, but you do not have to.
It is free to take part. There will be no art materials grants this year.
Artworks do not have to be finished until they are brought in October.
Receive canvases, or make art together at the session on:
Wednesday 9 September, 1.30-3.30pm
St Martins Resource Centre, Dalry Road, Edinburgh.
Free. Booking required - use the form (download below or request)
How to take part:
Use the form to ask for canvases or to join the workshop. There is much more information in the form, which can be downloaded below. You can request a paper version, or ask for help to fill it in. Do let us know if you have any questions or issues with the form. .
Forms should arrive by Monday 31 August 2026 (midday)
Get in touch:
Email: exhibition@capsadvocacy.org
Phone (text or leave a message): 07989 402 634
Share the news!
You are welcome to let others know, by sharing this announcement, or by downloading/printing the form or Call For Art:
About:
Out of Sight Out of Mind OOSOOM) is organised by and for people with experience of mental health issues. It is a CAPS Independent Advocacy project and takes place during the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF). The 2026 exhibition is funded with thanks to players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, the City of Edinburgh Local Events Open Fund and the many people who donated via the crowdfunder campaign.
Other News!
OOSOOM and the Scottish Mental Health Art Festival (SMHAF) will be working together this year, as we both present an exhibition and programmes of events at Summerhall! More information available soon.
SMHAF: https://www.mhfestival.com/
The OOSOOM Planning Group look forward to seeing all the art come together this October!