The Bluest Monday: art and mental health

From January 13th to 21st, The Bluest Monday in De Hallen in Amsterdam focuses on mental health featuring free exhibitions, film screenings, and workshops, taboos surrounding mental vulnerability are addressed. This year, The Bluest Monday is dedicated to young people.

More and more people are struggling with their mental health. Four out of ten Dutch citizens encounter mental vulnerabilities in their lives. 18% never talk about it, and at least half of the young people consider mental health a taboo subject. However, recent research indicates that 85% of young people experience mental health issues. The Bluest Monday wants to break that taboo.

One of the exhibited projects, Japan Blue, by artist Sayaka Abe, is supported by DutchCulture through Het Vijfde Seizoen Foundation, which collaborates with the artistic team of Fukuroda psychiatric hospital to organize residencies for Dutch and Japanese artists.

The Bluest Monday is an initiative of Beeldend Gesproken, an Amsterdam gallery and art loan for artists with psychiatric backgrounds.

Want to know more about cultural cooperation with Japan? Don't hesitate to contact our Japan Advisor Ian Yang.