Warriors Against Stigma (WAS) is the name of the project of a group of artists who have / have had a Mental Health diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) / Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD).
The purpose of this project is an exhibition of art works to raise awareness of the disorder and tackle the myths and stigma that it attracts, during BPD Month which occurs every year in May.
It is being undertaken and presented under the banner of the Northern Ireland Regional Personality Disorder Network and in conjunction with NIMHAF 2023, whose theme is “Myths”
All of the artists in the group have lived experience of the disorder and varying degrees of artistic experience / talent. Some of the artists have exhibited their work in galleries, others created for themselves and family and friends.
Each of the artists has a unique experience of dealing with the day to day impact of living with this diagnosis, whilst also dealing with the lack of understanding, and the terrible stigma that accompanies it.
All the group members use their creativity to help them on their recovery journey, and find that it serves to express the feelings that others struggle to understand.
The purpose of this exhibition is not only to raise awareness of the condition and to tackle the stigma attached and dispel the myths around it, but to show some amazing talent and creative pieces, and present a more creative, colourful and actual account of the people behind the condition.
Other venue showing the exhibition:
The Millennium Forum, Newmarket Street, Londonderry BT48 6EB, from 15th May to 29th May, no entrance fee