HeART & Soul Art and Wellbeing Exhibition 

Richmind WA’s latest HeART & Soul “Art and Wellbeing” exhibition, held from 16 to 19 April 2026 at our office in Cannington, brought consumers, community artists and Richmind WA staff together for a celebration of creative expression and belonging. The exhibition was a great success, attracting over 150 visitors to view the 103 artworks on display, with more than 50 artworks sold, and special opening events featuring performances by the Richmind WA Choir.

Art sales from the event raised vital funds that will contribute to art supplies and the ongoing running of the HeART & Soul art therapy program. Most sold works were by artists accessing the HeART & Soul art therapy program, but also included works by artists from the community, Richmind WA staff and our Principal Artist in Residence and Creative Therapies Coordinator, David Giles, with a portion or all proceeds of sales going to Richmind WA.

“This was a great result”, said Giles, who also curated the show. “The impact on participants’ self-esteem, self-confidence and sense of belonging and identity resulting from participation cannot be overstated. It has brought tears to my eyes to see the impact on some participants when they see their work on show in a professionally curated and presented exhibition. For many, it was a light bulb moment of feeling valued, seen and respected and a clear milestone in their journey of recovery.”

Richmind WA is WA’s largest mental health service provider and supports access to creative activities through its HeART & Soul art therapy program. The organisation aims to provide easy and regular access to creative activities for all its consumers, incorporating art therapy as an important aspect of its recovery programs.

Richmind WA CEO, Adrian Munro, commented, “Sharing our creative side in a group helps people feel connected, reduces stress and gives the brain a break from right-brain problem-solving. In a mental health organisation like ours, those things matter; not as a ‘nice extra’, but as part of how we look after ourselves. We know that art can be an important part of someone’s mental health recovery, which is why we have invested so heavily in the project over the last year. “ 

This sentiment was echoed by one of our art therapy program participants, Leanne, who said in her speech at the exhibition opening event, “I cannot speak highly enough of Richmind WA as an organisation. This is because I honestly believe you helped save my life, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.” 

Looking to the future, Richmind WA intends not only to continue running the HeART & Soul creative therapy program but also hopes to expand it, with more exhibitions to come throughout the year. The organisation will be holding an exhibition in Bunbury in May, and some exciting events and exhibitions are planned for Mental Health Week and NAIDOC Week later in the year.

If you would like to know more or want to support the HeART & Soul program with sponsorship, a donation or by volunteering, please contact us on 1800 742 466 or via email.