On 10 October, World Mental Health Day, the Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, Arrecife en Vivo, and the El Cribo Mental Health Association will host an event titled ‘The Therapeutic Power of Art’ at the Multicines Atlántida and Charco de San Ginés.
This initiative, led by the Cabildo’s Social Welfare Department, will focus on mental health through music and various artistic disciplines. It aims to create a dialogue on issues impacting young people, such as loneliness, social media’s effects, mental health stigma, and the challenges of seeking professional help.
Cabildo President Oswaldo Betancort highlighted the importance of cultural initiatives that raise awareness and strengthen community support networks. Marci Acuña, the councillor for Social Welfare and Inclusion, emphasised the need to discuss mental health openly, combatting societal stigma and fostering spaces for active listening and support.
The event will begin at 6:00 PM with a roundtable discussion at the Multicines Atlántida, featuring psychiatrist and musician Eduardo Vera Barrios, AGIFES activist Mikel Sarmiento, and music journalist Joan S. Luna. The discussion will be moderated by journalists Pilar Rumeu and Rosa Vidal Ross, with a musical performance by the El Cribo Mental Health Association choir.
From 8:00 PM, activities will move to Charco de San Ginés, starting with a batucada performance by El Cribo. Following will be acts from Invictores, Sara Socas, and Alea Jacta, whose projects explore emotional management and mental health.
This initiative is supported by the Government of the Canary Islands and is part of the Arrecife en Vivo programme, adding a social dimension to the festival by reflecting on emotional well-being and the cultural role in expression and community connection.
