Calling all artists – could you donate work to help two York mental health charities?

Two York-based mental health charities are calling for talented local artists to donate original artworks for a fundraising exhibition and auction this autumn.

York Mind and Rethink York Group are co-hosting their popular annual fundraising exhibition and auction at the City Screen Gallery on Coney Street, which during October will see donated artworks displayed on the wall and silent bids taken.

At the end of the exhibition, works are sold to the highest bidder, and all proceeds split equally to benefit the two charities.

Since the first collaborative event in 2016, more than £3,500 has been raised to support local people living with mental health problems, and this year the two charities hope to make the event an even bigger success.

Celebrating creativity

Community fundraiser at York Mind Holly Bilton said: “The art auction and exhibition is one of my favourite fundraising events, because it gives an opportunity for artists of any background to have their work displayed in a fantastic location in York.

“We’re inviting artworks from anyone in the community; it could be your very first piece, or you could have a little more experience. To us, it’s about celebrating creativity and the beneficial effects for mental wellbeing, and of course raising vital funds in the process.”

York Mind supports around 2,000 people in York every year, and needs to constantly raise funds to support individuals to continue their lives with a variety of mental health conditions.

Rethink York supports both mental health service users and carers through a variety of groups, social activities and support meetings in York, and also runs a number of successful fundraising events to help keep services running.