When we read about rising rates of depression and suicide across the country at epidemic proportions... when we learn all this even as another epidemic involving opioids takes lives every day... when anxiety, fear, and public incivility are everywhere we turn, it's all too easy to fall into dark despair. It's all too easy to stop believing.
But we know better. We know everything changes, and any dark cloaking us surely gives way to light. Steeped in faith of a promised new and better day, we are happy to announce our over-arching theme for our 2018-2019 programs:
The 2018-2019 season took the New Day Campaign statewide to all parts of Maryland. In partnership with numerous public and private art and behavioral health agencies, the New Day Campaign brought arts programming and public engagement to challenge stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and substance use, making the world a more healing place. Bringing people together through art, performance, and words, we shared our stories, connected with one another, and learned of the many resources available to us—we together built a new day, where those with addiction and mental illness are met with compassion and understanding rather than fear and judgment.
PROJECTS:
Heroin & Healing
March 2 to March 31, 2018
An exhibition project in Kent County, Maryland, about how the opioid epidemic and hurting go together, and what we are doing to make things better.
Hurting, Healing, Feeling
June 25 to June 30, 2018
In the face of a rising opioid epidemic and other mental health and substance use challenges—where those who hurt feel all too alone—how do we as a community find healing and hope? A project in Harford County, Maryland.
Art on the Fly: Dusk & Dawn
June 25 to October 11, 2018
Presented by the New Day Campaign to launch its statewide series of Dusk & Dawn programming through June 2019, this exhibition features art by 17 Maryland artists whose work in some way, shape, or form is about behavioral health matters.
Resilience: Healing What Ails Us Through Strength, Tenacity & Fellowship
October 5 to October 30, 2018
An exhibition featuring art by Allegany County artists Sandy Arnold and Darrin Isom, who have spent the last several months interviewing and sitting with Allegany County individuals who have - with resilience - faced, suffered from, and overcome a range of challenges and loss due to substance use and/or mental health disorders.