Mayor launches powerful Mental Health Arts exhibition in Strabane
24 April 2025
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, recently launched the solo exhibition ‘Narratives’ by Derry-born artist Eamon McAteer at the Alley Theatre in Strabane. The stunning collection of paintings resonates deeply with the theme of this year's NI Mental Health Arts Festival ‘CathARTSis,’ a play on the word catharsis.
The launch was attended by an appreciative audience of family, friends, art educationalists, and fellow artists, all gathered to celebrate Eamon McAteer's powerful body of work. ‘Narratives’ offers viewers a glimpse into the artist's emotional responses and personal interpretations, providing solace and sanctuary in today's often chaotic world.
Mayor Barr emphasised the significance of the festival, saying: "The NI Mental Health Arts Festival is a powerful initiative which brings hope to many in our community. The power of artistic expression cannot be understated. In a world where the pressures of daily life can often feel overwhelming, this festival provides a vital lifeline. It offers a compassionate space where individuals can share their most personal experiences, find solace in creativity, and connect with others through the universal language of art."
She further added, "Our mental health is precious, and programmes like this remind us that seeking support, expressing our vulnerabilities, and celebrating our resilience are fundamental to our collective well-being. By platforming diverse stories through music, visual arts, performance, and literature, the festival breaks down barriers and helps destigmatise conversations around mental health. I had the pleasure of opening Eamon McAteer’s show ‘Narratives’ at the Alley Theatre and saw first-hand how much the paintings resonated with the audience. The festival is a wonderful initiative which offers an outlet where mental health can be promoted in a positive, open and welcoming environment, well done to everyone involved."
Artist Eamon McAteer expressed his delight at being part of the festival, saying: "I am delighted to be exhibiting my solo show of paintings, ‘Narratives’ at The Alley Theatre as part of the NI Mental Health Arts Festival. My work resonates with the festival’s theme of CathARTSis. My focus is to create something personal, individual and honest. The work is inspired by my emotional response to a wide variety of influences, I paint intuitively in the studio so that the work suggests memories and personal interpretations. There is a sense of intimacy and intensity, and the idea of a glimpse into a remembered reality. My paintings mostly relate to the Irish expressionist landscape tradition."
Noelle Mc Alinden, Co-Chair of the NI Mental Health Arts Festival, highlighted the importance of such exhibitions saying: "There is no doubt that Eamon's exhibition provides a wonderful opportunity to inspire and enthuse audiences young and old. Exhibitions like this help to show the power of the arts and the vital role our artists contribute to the inspiration and well-being of others."
Eamon McAteer's exhibition ‘Narratives’ will continue at The Alley Theatre Strabane until May 30th.
The NI Mental Health Arts Festival will run from May 9th to May 20th across Northern Ireland, featuring a diverse programme of events including poetry, comedy, dance, theatre, walks, talks, and tours. Two major symposiums will also take place, in Belfast on May 9th and in the Guildhall on May 20th. Both events are free and are guaranteed to inspire, providing an excellent forum for compassionate dialogue, performances, panel discussions and excellent insights from those with lived experience drawn from Health, Arts, Community, Education and Academic Research. The events will be hosted by the Mayors of both cities. Celebrating artists from across Northern Ireland the NI Mental Health Arts Forum is delighted Derry-based artist Bronagh Corr McNicholl’s photographic exhibition is touring between both cities – first at The Garden of Reflection in Derry and then Belfast Exposed. Justine Scoltock’s exhibition Hidden Layers also features in the Garden of Reflection throughout May.
For more information on the NI Mental Health Arts Festival and the exciting programme of events, please visit www.nimhaf.org.