Welcome to
Expressive Minds.
We truly believe in the power of the arts to improve mental health and wellbeing.
About Me
My name is Lisa, I’m 34 and live in the North West of Ireland.
I know from first hand experience how challenging mental health issues can be but also how much of an impact the arts can have on our health.
In 2023 I graduated with a first class honours Postgraduate Certificate in Creative Arts Management from the University of Galway and I was appointed as the Grants and Development Coordinator part time with Helium Arts and know from working with this impactful charity that there is an intrinsic link between the arts and health.
In 2024 I was awarded a place on the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Ideas Academy 2024 Programme to support and develop this project.
The Research
It is estimated that one in four of us will experience mental health difficulties in our lifetime, from a low period to more serious depression, to a small number who will experience severe mental health problems.
Clinical studies have shown that arts engagement promotes recovery, relaxation and reduces stress, anxiety and depression. Arts programmes for people experiencing mental health difficulties have been linked with improved confidence, self-esteem and self-understanding.
Creative Arts for Wellbeing
Supported by Creative Ireland Creative Communities Sligo and Leitrim in late 2024 we will facilitate creative art workshops with two groups of participants who are outpatient service users in the Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Service. The project will be run in collaboration with the Mental Health Service. The purpose of these workshops will be to bring the participants together to engage in process led creative art activities with a focus on calming, fun and collaborative projects.
As part of the project Leitrim Arts Office has supported a mentorship with Professional Artist Andy Parsons to support planning and development.
What We Do
My Artwork
My artwork is inspired by nature and by my surroundings in the North West of Ireland as well as my own experience of mental illness and recovery.
Through my creative practice I want to create more awareness and understanding for often misunderstood mental illness such as psychosis and help to shed the stigma around it.
'Based on my own personal experience of recovery from illness I know the power and the benefits that art can have, I want to help share that with as many people as possible through my work'.
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Supported by Creative Ireland
Creative Communities Sligo & Leitrim 2024
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3 Art Residencies Awarded
Across Ireland & Italy
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Mental Health Advocate
For more awareness & openess
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Social Entrepreneurs Ideas Academy 2024
Partcipant in this Programme
Previous Projects
Psychosis Arts Collective
Co-Founder & Artist
As part of my Postgraduate Certificate course in Creative Arts Management in the University of Galway 2022-2023, I Co-Founded the Psychosis Arts Collective with Conor Gavin. Subsequently the first online exhibition of artwork, poetry, music & photography made by others who had experienced psychosis was featured in the Irish Independent in November 2023.
Manorhamilton Print Group
Assistant Facilitator & Social Media Coordinator
Assisting with the preparation & submission of funding & grant applications. Assisting with facilitation of printmaking group workshops. Managing social media promotion & assisting with financial tracking
The Legends of An Dobharchu
Creative Exchange Youth Arts Residency
Leitrim Sculpture Centre & Glens Centre Creative Exchange Collaboration & Research Residency 2024 with writer & playwright Treasa Nealon working with a local group of young people over 8 weeks culminating in a final exhibition
What Collaborators are Saying
"Having spoken with Lisa, we are excited at the prospect of collaborating with her on this project. I was impressed with Lisa’s clarity of thinking, her vision and her knowledge around the interface between mental health and the Arts."
Dr Ed O'Mahony, Consultant Psychiatrist, Rehabilitation and Recovery Service, NUIG School of Medicine Honorary Senior Lecturer
"It was such a pleasure to work with Lisa as part of the Creative Exchange: Research & Collaboration Residency in 2024. She is truly passionate about the work that she does, and with sharing her knowledge and skills with other artists and within the community.
She is a well of brilliant ideas and possibilities, and generous with her creativity and with her time.'"
Treasa Nealon, Co-Founder of The Rabbits Riot Theatre Company, Playwright, Writer and Theatre-Maker
Get in Touch!
If you’d like to get involved with Expressive Minds projects or if you have any questions in relation to artwork or workshops please feel free to contact us below!
