Sincerely, Survivor - Mental Health Advocacy

Sincerely, Survivor is a performing and visual art exhibition developed by dancer and psychology researcher Hannah Friebel, which creates a space to explore the experience of mental distress, and advocate for improved mental health and awareness. Produced by Grace Dance Company, with support from Dax Centre Melbourne, Monash University and Transit Dance Studios, Sincerely, Survivor was founded by Hannah to provide a platform for both her own and others' experiences of mental ill health to be articulated, harnessing the therapeutic power of art in the recovery journey. We collaborate with artists and survivors of mental ill health, complementing the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System which seeks to provide an opportunity for a wider community conversation about mental health - toward ending stigma and discrimination.

With some work already created, we have expanded the project to include a three month long visual art exhibition, and a live performances for World Mental Health Day 2020. We have been on two artist residencies so far, creating dance film and undergoing creative movement based research in abandoned mental asylums in regional Victoria. Artistic residencies include site specific collaborations at Pleasant Creek Hospital, J Ward Asylum for the Criminally Insane and (tbc) Aradale Hospital. We also seek to connect with the Grampians disAbility Advocacy Group to engage some previously institutionalised mental health survivors in the creative process.

We are currently aiming to raise funds to support any costs incurred in creating these site specific works whilst we await further sponsorship/grant funding. Your support would directly influence our ability to facilitate this exhibition and performance and bring greater mental health awareness to both national and international platforms. 

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@sincerely_survivor

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