$20,000 Out From The Mist photo competition opens

20 July 2022

Film, photography, and now music competition, Out From The Mist has opened for entries for 2022.

Founder and Creative Director, Michael Lockwood has lived experience with mental illness and says the competition helps people with mental illness feel seen, heard, and valued.

"Ten years ago, I had a nervous breakdown and stopped being able to work. Even to this day, I have regular hospital visits for ECTs to keep it under control.’’

“For better or worse, this illness is an integral part of who I am, and I’m proud of who I am, depression and all,’’ Michael says.

‘’Art is healing, and the competition shines a light on the varied experiences people face with their mental illness, from experiences of pain and suffering, caring and empathy for loved ones, through to elation of conquering obstacles.”

Winners across 20 categories will win a share in $20,000 worth of prizes, and selected entries from artists will be featured in exhibitions throughout Australia including Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast, NSW, Townsville, and Rockhampton.

This year marks the introduction of a new music category.

‘’For many, music is a source of strength and hope. When my mind is a mess, music is one of the few spaces where I can find peace. Music is full of emotion and expression. It's visceral, and it can both talk to the pain in one’s mind, and it can offer strength,’’ Michael says.

Image: Hannah Brooke, Finding the Light. Mental health can feel like a very dark place and it can feel like there's no way out from "the mist" but sometimes all it takes is to search for that one little light, whether it be a friend, family or professional help, you just have to search for the light. It's always out there somewhere.

2021 competition winner Hannah Brooke says the competition showcases and celebrates the real and raw emotions and challenges people face with their mental wellbeing.

‘’Very often, photography and photography competitions can represent the most wonderful things in life. There are even editing tools to remove imperfections and make everything look brighter and shinier. Whilst these photos are always beautiful to look at, they often don’t represent what we see in everyday life.’’

Entries are now open for artists, creatives, and musicians across the world to submit their work. Entries close 19 August and winners will be notified by 10 October 2021. To enter the competition, visit outfromthemist.com.

The awards night will be held in the Gold Coast at 19Karen on 10 October 2022 during Mental Health Week where the first exhibition will run until 17 October.