Hearing Voices through art

PA 299/10 An art exhibition that will challenge the convention of hearing voices as a negative symptom of mental illness has been launched at The University of Nottingham. Voices, a visual arts exhibition at the Institute of Mental Health on The University of Nottingham Innovation Park, brings together works by 21 local, regional, national and international artists that intrigue, stimulate and question the notion of voices. The exhibition is curated by Dr Victoria Tischler, arts coordinator at the institute in partnership with City Arts Nottingham. Dr Tischler said: "Within psychiatry, those who hear voices are said to experience auditory hallucinations, a symptom associated with psychosis. It is estimated that four per cent of the British population hear voices. "Yet we all experience voices in different ways; voices that may be tormenting and critical or guiding and inspiring. Many highly creative individuals report hearing voices and in some cultures such hallucinogenic experiences are seen as healthy and are revered." "Aside from the aesthetic function that this — the third Institute of Mental Health exhibition — fulfils, it gives voices to those marginalised and stigmatised by mental health difficulties.