Art for the soul: Courageous works strengthen mental health in Miltenberg

Art for the soul: Courageous works strengthen mental health in Miltenberg

On Tuesday, October 28th, there was a very special occasion in the foyer of the Miltenberg district office: the opening of the traveling exhibition “(Expressing) the Soul – Art for Mental Health”. Monika Wolf-Pleßmann, the deputy district administrator, and Nadja Schillikowski, the municipal representative for the disabled, welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of art in strengthening mental health. Wolf-Pleßmann described the linocut prints on display as “traces of life paths, experiences and inner strength” and emphasized that the works are an expression of the inner life of the artists who emerged from a workshop entitled “My Crisis Strength”. This initiative allowed participants to express their personal experiences through art.

The artworks are not only creative projects, but also honest, courageous and touching testimonies of the participants' inner struggles. According to the report by Miltenberg district The works were created under the expert guidance of art therapists. The positive charisma of the works is intended to help destigmatize mental illnesses and increase awareness of their effects.

Focus on art and mental health

A central point of the exhibition is supporting mental health through art. This is also proven by research results. A study from Dresden has shown that viewing art not only increases eudaimonic well-being, but also offers significant medical benefits for people with dementia. According to the results, many art viewers feel more connected to their life's purpose and experience personal development after their experience in museums. This makes it clear that art often acts as an elixir of life.

Frank Rothen Bücher, chairman of the Psychosocial Working Group (PSAG) in the Bavarian Lower Main region, took the opportunity to draw attention to Mental Health Week. He explained that one in three suffers from a mental health crisis at least once in their life. In this context, events like the current exhibition are of great importance. They help create a better understanding of mental illness.

A musical framework

The vernissage was accompanied by music from the inclusive music group Saitensprung, which gave the event a special touch. Nadja Schillikowski thanked everyone involved and invited the guests to take a tour of the exhibition. The works show the sources from which artists with psychological impairments draw their strength - be it from laughter, nature or personal experiences. The exhibition will remain open until Tuesday, November 18th, during the usual opening hours of the Miltenberg District Office.

In times when the pressures of everyday life often weigh heavily on one's shoulders, it is more important than ever to address issues surrounding mental health. Art is not only an outlet, but also a valuable means of finding inner strength. According to the University of Vienna, art in the form of interventions can also specifically help to increase people's well-being, such as MDR reported.

At its core, the exhibition “(Expressing) the Soul” shows that every person has a story that is worth hearing. The more we are willing to talk about it and use art as a form of expression, the greater the social change in dealing with mental illness.