Join us in recognizing Schizophrenia & Psychosis Awareness Day 💜
Schizophrenia & Psychosis Awareness Day invites communities to come together in solidarity to acknowledge the progress of our journey. This year, the BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) will host Voices of Hope: From Expression to Understanding, a celebration of creativity, shared experience, and the power of connection.
You are invited to an inspiring afternoon of art and community on Saturday, May 23, 2026, 1:00-3:00pm, in person at the Cultch Historic Theatre in Vancouver or online via Zoom.
This free event is dedicated to challenging stigma and honouring individuals and families navigating severe and persistent mental illness. Through the lens of creative expression, we will explore how art can support mental wellness, foster connection, and deepen public understanding of schizophrenia, psychosis, and related conditions.
Event Details
Voices of Hope features a fascinating blend of art, music, and education. It will explore how artistic practices can support recovery, nurture emotional resilience, and challenge outdated views about people with mental illness.
- Wendy Clark—a Registered Art Therapist—will explore the history of schizophrenia and psychosis in art, the role of expression in wellbeing, and will guide the audience through a creative activity.
- Sandra Yuen—an artist, author, and person with lived experience—will unveil a new painting, share new poetry, and reflect on how art has supported her journey.
- The Highs & Lows Choir will offer a performance celebrating resilience and connection.
- A moderated panel discussion will feature individuals with lived experience, family members, caregivers, and educators on how creative expression can support coping, recovery, and stigma reduction.
Event Schedule:
- 12:30 pm — Doors Open
- 1:00 pm — Welcome & Opening Remarks
- 1:10 pm — Art Therapy Presentation
- 1:25 pm — Poetry with Sandra Yuen
- 1:40 pm — Highs & Lows Choir Performance
- 1:55 pm — Panel Discussion and Q&A Session
- 2:25 pm — Closing Reflections
- 2:30 pm — Post event reception until 3pm
Why This Event Matters
By spotlighting the voices, talents, and lived experiences of our community, Voices of Hope aims to build greater compassion and understanding of severe and persistent mental illness across British Columbia. Stigma remains one of the greatest barriers for individuals living with schizophrenia and psychosis — and for the families who walk beside them. Through art, dialogue, and shared reflection, this event creates space for connection and challenges the misconceptions that continue to cause harm.
This free public event requires advance registration for both in‑person and online participation. If you are unable to join us at The Cultch, you can tune in live via Zoom. A recording will be made available afterward so our broader community can continue engaging with the stories and insights shared.
Our hope is that every attendee leaves feeling seen, supported, and part of a wider movement working toward a future where mental illness is met with empathy, not judgment. Together, we can uplift creative expression as a tool for healing, deepen our collective understanding, and stand united against stigma.
Voices of Hope is made possible by the support of Otsuka-Lundbeck Alliance.
While this event is free to attend thanks to our sponsor, donations help ensure we can continue offering education, awareness, and support in our community. If you’re able, please consider a donation.