Championing the importance of mental health through art

Image: Tasmanian artist Katherine Barnes with her work featured in Minds Do Matter, 2025. Photo: QVMAG

The Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk is today celebrating the opening of its latest community exhibition, Minds Do Matter.  

Developed in collaboration with RANT Arts, this annual exhibition is designed to champion the message of mental health awareness across Tasmania.

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said this annual exhibition is a great way to destigmatise conversations about mental health.  

"Speaking about our mental health with family and our mates is pretty important. It's through projects - just like this exhibition - that help us normalise opening up and having a chat about how we're travelling in life” Mayor Garwood said.   

"It's awesome to see this exhibition getting bigger and bigger each year - and even better to see young artists submitting their artwork and being a part of the conversation across Tassie”.

Bass Liberal MHA and Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Bridget Archer said she is really excited about another year of the Minds Do Matter art exhibition at QVMAG Inveresk. 

“Minds Do Matter highlights the importance of recognising the strengths within ourselves and our community that support our mental health and provide coping mechanisms throughout our mental health journeys” said the Minister and added that "It’s a fantastic exhibition with many fabulous artworks and I would encourage people to visit QVMAG Inveresk and take a look.” 

RANT Arts Pathways Program Manager, Karen Revie said the exhibition was a reminder on the importance of caring for our wellbeing.  

"Minds Do Matter showcases and supports open, positive conversations about mental health and wellbeing," Revie said. 

"As a society, we are gaining a greater understanding of how important it is to care for our wellbeing”.  

2025 Minds Do Matter artist Lucy said art is a powerful tool to express her feelings.  

"I became interested in painting while I was a patient in a psychiatric hospital - I discovered that making art really is a powerful therapy that helps me express emotions and give relief from the symptoms of my chronic illness." Lucy said.  

This year's exhibition has welcomed a host of artwork submissions, including one from nine-year-old artist, Hunter.  

"I’m happy and excited to represent kids with different minds," Hunter said.   

"This is my third year in Minds Do Matter. I love to share my thoughts and mind with everyone."  

Minds Do Matter is currently on display at the Museum at Inveresk until 7th December (2 Invermay Road) with free entry. 

Issued 9 October 2025.