For Matthew and Others: Journeys with Schizophrenia

For Matthew & Others: Journeys with Schizophrenia is an extraordinary project that examines the multiple impacts of schizophrenia. It comprises an exhibition, performances, a conference and an education program, all with the aim of raising public awareness of one of the most stigmatised illnesses in contemporary society; schizophrenia. The project is inspired by the death of a young man called Matthew who struggled with schizophrenia for fifteen years, finally taking his own life in 1999.

Using oral and social histories, visual, literary and performing arts, visitors to the For Matthew and Others exhibitions and events will experience the diversity of life with schizophrenia. Not all the participants in For Matthew and Others live with the illness – many are family or friends of people living with schizophrenia, some are simply interested in the illness.

Artists Jon Cattapan, Simon Champ, James de Blas, Graeme Doyle, Matthew Dysart, Anne Ferran, Ivor Francis, James Gleeson, Joy Hester, Frederick Jessup, Derwent Lees, Anthony Mannix, Glenn Morgan, Richard Morrison, John Perceval, Gareth Sansom, Martin Sharp, Albert Tucker, Wart, Peter Wegner.
Social Histories Paul Clenaghan, Michael Dysart, Allan Fels, Isabella Fels, Vince Greentree, Luke Hannon, Claire Haris-Chandra, Ian Hickie, Olive Hughes, Leone Morgan, Barbara Munro, Christian Narsamma, Geraldine Quinn.

BOOK
The exhibition is accompanied by a comprehensive 160pp book with artist pages, essays and social histories, for sale at the exhibition venues for $30 (including GST).

CONFERENCE 6-7 October 2006 (Free)
The conference runs over 1.5 days and includes a keynote address by award-winning poet and mental health advocate Sandy Jeffs and a performance by artist, performer and mental health advocate Wart. Looking at issues raised by the exhibition, speakers include exhibition curators, artists and social history participants: Dinah Dysart, Anthony White, Alexandra and James de Blas, Martin Sharp, Barbara Hocking, Simon Champ, Richard McLean, Gareth Jenkins, Alix Hunter and Rob Ramjan to name a few.
COFA Lecture Theatre (EG02) BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL (02) 9385 0726

EXHIBITION OPENING 5.30-7.30 pm Friday 6 October 2006
The exhibition will be officially opened by Professor Allan Fels AO
Dean, The Australia and New Zealand School of Government
For more information contact the gallery on 9385 0726

Other exhibition venues and dates
Campbelltown Arts Centre 1 September - 21 October 2006
Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre 23 September – 21 October 2006
Bundoora Homestead Art Centre, Melbourne 1 June – 1 July 2007

Gala Performances, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, 22 & 23 September
Mad Pride Concert, Campbelltown Arts Centre, 7 October 8-10pm
Art Market, Campbelltown Arts Centre, 21 & 22 October

For further information please contact the gallery.