OOSOOM 2026 Poster: Reflections
[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: The OOSOOM 2026 poster, A blue painted textured background with a pink and black painted splodge with two white figures and grey hand drawn elements orbiting around.
The OOSOOM logo is in white below is written; ‘An exhibition of art made by with people experiences of mental health issues.’. 20 October - 8 November 2026, Tue to Sun, 11am - 6pm, Late openings The 22 & 29 Oct, until 8pm. At Summerhall, Edinburgh, Free. See website for exhibition events. The exhibition presents a wide variety of themes, some may be affecting, thought provoking, everyday and/or awesome. Followed by supporting organisation logos in black, including; Caps Independent Advocacy, i’Thanks to those who donated during the 2026 crowdfunding campaign, Edinburgh Council, People’s Postcode Lottery Trust, Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, Mental Health Foundation and Summerhall].
OOSOOM 2026 poster
Inspired by the theme of 'reflections', the poster contemplates 14 years of OOSOOM’s existence. Two people sit and gaze towards a large mass which is orbited by 14 elements. The people might be reflecting on the many creative voices, collective efforts, moments, connections and meanings made in previous OOSOOM exhibitions and on what is to come this year.
Designed by Michael Dawson with the OOSOOM Planning Group.
Keep an eye out for it across Edinburgh and online. You are welcome to share it, post it or print it. Download it via the button below, and help to spread the word.
Reflections on the poster design, by Steph
For the members of the Planning Group, after months of planning, conversations, ideas and making, the poster launch is a little sign that things are starting to come together and the exhibition starts to feel more real.
This, like all the other OOSOOM posters have been designed by Michael Dawson, in close collaboration with the OOSOOM Planning Group.
The starting point was the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival theme ‘Reflections’. The festival describes the theme as “an invitation to pause, take stock and explore how our experiences, stories and creativity shape our mental health, individually and collectively.”
This gave us lots to think about…
'What does it mean to reflect on where we have been?’
‘How much can change over time?’
‘And what happens when we look back at something that has been part of our lives for many years?’
OOSOOM has changed and grown enormously since the first in 2013. Hundreds of people have taken part, making and sharing artwork, helping to plan exhibitions, volunteering, with thousands more visiting, talking, listening and finding ways to connect with each other.
The 2026 poster, contains imagery from previous OOSOOM posters and themes, and this suggests something more expansive — stars, space, constellations and the feeling of looking outwards. One becomes many. Something that started small has grow into something much bigger.
Perhaps OOSOOM is a little like a constellation. Each person is an individual, with their own experiences, stories and creative voice. Those individual points become something bigger.
Looking back can also mean looking inwards. Taking a moment to be still. To think about where we are, where we have come from and where we might be going.
But reflection doesn't always have to mean staying still. It can make us look outwards too.
For OOSOOM, being ‘by and for’ people with experiences of mental health issues is at the heart of what we do. That principle guides the Planning Group and the decisions we make about the exhibition. It is part of what makes OOSOOM what it is — a space created with people, rather than simply about people.
Over the years, OOSOOM has found ways for people to connect, to be heard and to share something of themselves. Like a constellation, those connections can stretch further than we might expect.
And perhaps there is something reassuring about looking up at the vastness of space and remembering that we are part of something bigger.
The 2026 poster is a reflection of all of this — of where OOSOOM has come from, what it has become, and the many people who have helped make it what it is today.
We hope you like it. How many poster elements can you recognise?