Join us in recognizing Schizophrenia & Psychosis Awareness Day 💜 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—happening on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at The Cultch Historic Theatre from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.

Scroll to the bottom of this page for free registration!

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 It will explore how artistic practices can support recovery, nurture emotional resilience, and challenge outdated views about people with mental illness.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 musical 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. 

Whether you are a family member, a caregiver, an ally, a mental health professional, or a person with lived experience, this event offers space to listen, learn, heal, and connect. 

Event Details 

WHERE: The Cultch Historic Theatre at 1895 Venables St, Vancouver, BC 

WHEN: Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm  

SCHEDULE: 

• 12:30 pm: Doors Open; Mingling and Light Refreshments    
• 1:00 pm: Welcome and Opening Remarks  
• 1:10 pm: Art Therapy Presentation with Wendy Clark
• 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 3:00pm

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. 

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.

📌 This is a free educational event that requires advance attendee registration. For those who are unable to attend in person, the presentations and panel discussion will be livestreamed via Zoom to our members and stakeholders across the province. The event will also be recorded to later be shared on YouTube. 

This event 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.