Collective Canvas: Bringing Art and Mental Wellbeing to the Red Centre

MIFANT is thrilled to have been featured in The Centralian Today for our Collective Canvas sessions during Mental Health Week!

We were privileged to host national artist Sarah Rowan, an award-winning speed painter, who toured the Red Centre throughout Mental Health Week. Sarah visited Alice Springs and Tennant Creek, running multiple engaging sessions with young people designed to inspire creativity and open conversations about mental wellbeing.

The sessions were filled with energy, imagination, and joy. Young participants collaborated on a vibrant collective artwork featuring everything from ocean scenes (a special touch considering we're in the heart of Australia!) to a stunning eagle. Between painting sessions, there were spontaneous barefoot basketball games, K-pop dance breaks, and constant laughter filling the room.

These moments of creative expression provide more than just fun - they create safe spaces for young people to connect, express themselves, and engage with mental health in accessible, non-threatening ways. Art has a unique ability to bridge gaps, spark conversations, and help young people develop emotional vocabulary and resilience.

A massive thank you to Sarah Rowan for sharing her time, talent, and genuine care with our young people. Thanks also to everyone who helped make this initiative possible. Seeing creativity and connection flourish in our community is exactly what Mental Health Week is all about.