The 2025 mindshare Exhibition showcases artists with lived experience in a vibrant celebration of creativity connection, and mental health awareness.
Image: Phi and Keisha laughing together at the mindshare Exhibition. In front of them is a large woollen web, part of the collaborative community artwork. Photo credit: Naomi Jellicoe Photography.
The mindshare Group Exhibition is an annual collaboration held in October as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. The Exhibition showcases artwork, creative writing and poetry from creatives living with mental health challenges who have utilised expressive arts as an important tool in their recovery journey.
Presented in partnership with the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia, Life Without Barriers’ Living Arts program, Neami National’s Arts program, Skylight Mental Health, and the City of Adelaide, the exhibition is now open at the Adelaide City Library until 31 October and online at mindshare.org.au.
Image: An audience sits in front of a group of musicians performing on the stage at the 2025 mindshare Exhibition Launch. Photo credit: Naomi Jellicoe Photography.
This year’s exhibition features around 50 diverse works spanning animation, music, photography, pottery, collage, watercolour, textiles and more.
As part of our ongoing partnership with the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia, Life Without Barriers’ Living Arts Program is proud to once again contribute to the mindshare Group Exhibition, a vibrant celebration of creativity, connection, and mental health awareness.
Image: An individual taking a photo of the artworks mounted on the wall at the 2025 mindshare Exhibition. Photo credit: Naomi Jellicoe Photography.
Art as Connection
This year, 11 solo artists, all current or former participants in our Child, Youth and Family or Mental Health programs, shared deeply personal works that reflect their journeys and creative growth. Alongside these are several collaborative pieces developed through community events and special projects, showcasing the power of collective expression.
You can view their works here.
Image: Artworks mounted on the wall at the 2025 mindshare Exhibition.
One such piece, 'Respect and Relationships,' was created by staff during Life Without Barriers' 30th Anniversary celebrations at Walyu Tutu, Life Without Barriers Unley Office. Staff were invited to decorate letters from the words 'Respect' and 'Relationships', two of our values assigned to our National Immigration Support Services (NISS) team and South Australia respectively, while reflecting on how these values show up in their daily work.
This activity, led by Lead Resident Artist Phi Theodoros, encouraged staff to connect with each other and their shared purpose in meaningful, creative ways.
Image: The artwork 'Respect and Relationships' created by Life Without Barriers staff.
Voices from the exhibition
Many of the artists featured in the exhibition have utilised expressive arts to explore their recovery journey, highlighting how art can be an important tool for healing and emphasising the importance of looking after mental health.
"When I was unwell, the only creative work I could manage was colouring in pages," shared Bree, an exhibiting artist.
"Being able to connect with this art group in a supportive environment has been powerful in helping me reconnect with my creative side."
"It’s more than just getting out of the house, it’s about connecting with others and having an encouraging space to play creatively without fear of mistakes or judgement."
Image: Bree stands in front of a display of their artwork at the mindshare Exhibition.
Ellie, a long-term participant and collaborator with Living Arts as a Peer Facilitator, has explored many creative mediums but is contributing to mindshare this year for the first time with a new medium.
"I recently learned how to crochet, and it's become a new passion with a bonus sensory/stimming outcome. As someone who has a history of self-harm, crochet has become my go-to self-care choice when I become overwhelmed as it not only keeps my hands busy and my mind active, but I end up with beautiful items as a result too."
Image: Ellie stands in front of a display of their crochet pieces at the mindshare Exhibition.
Jasper, a participant in our Living Arts Program, took part in the mindshare Exhibition for the first time this year, using his art to spark connection and conversations on how we can collectively navigate life’s challenges.
"'Shuffled Thoughts – Don’t Lose Your Mind' is a card game I’m designing to start conversations about how we support ourselves and each other during tough times. There are boss cards like ‘Depression’ and ‘Grief’, but also ‘Self-Care’ and ‘Community Connection’ cards to help you win, one round at a time."
Image: A mounted display of Jasper's 'Shuffled Thoughts – Don’t Lose Your Mind' card game.
A community woven together
As part of this year’s Mental Health Month theme, 'Connecting When It Counts' attendees were invited to contribute to a collaborative community artwork celebrating connection through creativity.
Often conversations about mental health happen only when we’re struggling. But mental health is also about building meaningful connections and supporting one another through life’s pivotal moments. 'Connecting When It Counts' is a reminder that reaching out and talking about our wellbeing can make all the difference.
At the exhibition launch, Phi invited attendees to co-create a large woollen web, a symbolic act of connection that became the backdrop for a new community artwork now on display at the North Adelaide Community Centre.
This interactive installation invited everyone to reflect on how we reach out, listen, and build community, especially when it matters most.
Image: Attendees adding to the large woollen web, part of the collaborative community artwork. Photo credit: Naomi Jellicoe Photography.
The piece features decorated paper cups, each carrying messages about how people want to connect with others to support mental health and wellbeing. The cups are linked by colourful wool, reminiscent of the nostalgic tin-can telephone, a simple but powerful metaphor for communication and care.
Image: Two attendees holding multiple strings of wool, taking part in the collaborative community artwork. Photo credit: Naomi Jellicoe Photography.
Through art, storytelling and community collaboration, the mindshare Group Exhibition continues to challenge stigma and inspire conversations about mental health. It stands as a testament to the power of creative expression in building understanding, resilience and connection.
The mindshare Exhibition will remain on display at the Adelaide City Library until the end of October.
At Life Without Barriers, we know that mental health isn’t something to be observed once a year, it’s a daily reality that lives in our workplaces, homes, and communities.
For those of us who work in mental health, walking beside people on these journeys is both a privilege and a profound responsibility. Every day, our teams see how mental health connects with housing, disability, cost of living, justice, family, and culture. Our mental health teams live and breathe it, literally. Lived experience is often at the heart of what we do.
Life Without Barriers provides a comprehensive suite of supports across Australia that respond to people’s needs at every stage of recovery. All our services are delivered with a focus on ensuring holistic wrap-around care.
