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At the end of February, the RETHiNK Grant dared the people of Auckland to develop a creative project that reduces mental-health stigma and discrimination.  Like Minds, Like Mine at Mind & Body Consultants received nearly 40 applications for The Grant and Joshua Gerbault’s RETHiNK: Ethosphere proposal came second.   

When Gerbault first found out about the RETHiNK Grant, he was working at Te Karanga, a community gallery, looking for a way to run an art project that would serve both the community and the gallery itself.  RETHiNK came along at just the right time.  For Gerbault, “It seemed like an excellent opportunity to work on a project that would normally be out of my financial reach and really meant something to me.”

RETHiNK: Ethosphere invites artists of Aotearoa to submit visual designs that explore the theme ‘RETHiNK Madness.’  Artists have just one month to design images that encourage viewers to think about madness and provide a platform for positive dialogue around the issue.  The best 10 destigmatising images will be screen-printed onto limited edition handmade T-shirts.  “To me, T-shirts represent a global culture that is inclusive of all ages, sexes, ethnic heritage, abilities and socio-cultural backgrounds – anyone can wear a T-shirt,” says Gerbault.  The project embodies an entire ethos focused on community connection and awareness – wherever possible materials are obtained from organic and/or sustainable sources.  Organic T-shirts will become walking billboards, encouraging people to rethink madness wherever the wearer goes.    

Limited-edition T-shirts and prints will be exhibited and auctioned at Te Karanga Gallery from the 19^th of August to the 1^st of September.  A second-edition run of T-shirts will be re-launched during Mental Health Awareness Week at the RETHiNK Theatre Challenge. 

For Gerbault, “The best bit of all, is that this is an excellent opportunity to take part in a unique event, in which I can play an active part in helping to reduce the stigma and discrimination.” What is great about this project, is that it also invites others to play a similarly active role in creating social change around our attitudes to mental unwellness. 

To get involved

Email rethink.ethosphere@gmail.com or visit www.rethinkgrant.co.nz for more information. 

Media Enquiries: Contact Taimi Allan  

Team Leader: Like Minds, Like Mine, Mind & Body Consultants

Ph (09) 630 5909 ext 870 / E: taimi@mindandbody.co.nz