A movement for youth-led mental health. This is art and activism rolled into one.
‘Ever been told to ask for help? Then asked for help. Only to be told help wasn’t available? (Maybe in six months, a few hundred miles away…).
Ever been told you’ve got a problem, but something inside you says: “Hmmm am not quite sure it’s JUST me?”.
Ever get the feeling young people’s mental healthcare could be so much better?’
Enter the Balmy Army. Over the past year young people, artists, madpride organisers, radical dreamers, disability justice doers and everyone else trying to cope have come together. What do they want? Mental health support that works. When do they want it? About 15 years ago…
From sharing poetry to making placards, to social media takeovers and mass acts of civil disobedience, this is the Balmy Army’s lab where anything (safe) can happen. It’s a space for the Balmy Army to play, plan protests, give performances and even print ‘madidas’ t-shirts.
Whether you’re struggling with your mental health, supporting someone who is, work in mental health or you’re just curious, Balmy Army reminds us that mental health isn’t just about individuals – and that community, care and creativity are some of our greatest ways to heal.
Also part of this season
Tino Sehgal: This Entry
The Whitworth Until 16 July 2023Tino Sehgal presents a playful exchange between different masters of their craft. Premieres at the National Football Museum and the Whitworth.
The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions
HOME Until 2 July 2023The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions at HOME brings together theatre, dance and song for the ultimate anarchic bedtime story.
Economics the Blockbuster
The Whitworth Until 22 October 2023Economics the Blockbuster is a research and exhibition project, developed in collaboration with Alliance Manchester Business School and MIF.
Sonics, stories and scenes of the Diaspora
The Manchester Museum 1 July 2023SEEN Magazine and Manchester Museum shine a spotlight on the sounds of the South Asian diaspora for Manchester International Festival.
Sonic Geography
The Bridgewater Hall 7 July 2023Lose yourself in the world premiere of Sonic Geography by John Luther Adams, played by pianist Ralph Van Raat.
All Right. Good Night.
HOME Until 8 July 2023Weaving personal tragedy with catastrophe at large, All right. Good night. is a meditation on loss and how to deal with uncertainty.
Benji Reid: Find Your Eyes
Manchester Academy Until 16 July 2023Known for Afro-futurist images that seem to defy gravity, Benji Reid invites us to watch him at play as he creates live photography in this genre-bending show.
50 Hours of Freedom
Contact 14 July 2023Celebrate International Non-Binary People’s Day with 50 Hours of Freedom, a creative lock-in at Contact for MIF23
