Fragile Strength is an innovative year-long research-based community art project addressing the often-overlooked issue of male mental health, focusing on South Asian, trans, and gay men. The project combines art, community engagement, and academic research to challenge stigma and create a supportive space for expression and dialogue.
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Curated by Vikas Garg and Nilanjan Chakravarty, the project delves into cultural and societal barriers to self-expression, providing actionable insights for the community. By nurturing inclusivity and promoting mental health awareness, Fragile Strength aims to empower individuals, strengthen community connections, and inspire lasting cultural change surrounding male mental health.
Project Partners
Why Fragile Strength?
We are undertaking Fragile Strength to address the critical and often overlooked issue of male mental health, particularly within South Asian, trans, and gay communities in India and the United Kingdom. Mental health stigma, societal expectations, and cultural barriers often prevent men from seeking help or expressing vulnerability, leading to isolation and unaddressed struggles.
As an organisation committed to fostering inclusivity and social impact through art, Artlune believes in the transformative power of creative expression. This project aligns with our mission to use art as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and community connection. By combining workshops, storytelling, film screenings, and a research-backed art exhibition, Fragile Strength creates safe, inclusive spaces for self-expression and shared understanding.
Project Aim and Imapact
Through Fragile Strength, we aim to challenge the stigma surrounding male mental health, focusing on South Asian, trans, and gay men, who often face unique cultural, societal, and personal barriers to seeking help. By fostering dialogue and creating inclusive spaces through art, research, and community engagement, the project aspires to empower individuals to express their emotions, share their stories, and connect with others.
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We strive to inspire cultural change by normalising conversations around mental health and promoting resilience. By showcasing research findings and artistic expressions, we seek to raise awareness, educate the community, and provide actionable insights into the factors influencing male mental health. Ultimately, Fragile Strength aims to build stronger, more empathetic communities where mental health is prioritised, and individuals feel supported in their journeys toward emotional well-being.
Project Components
Community Engagemnt
Community engagement lies at the heart of the Fragile Strength project, aiming to create meaningful connections, foster dialogue, and challenge the stigma surrounding male mental health.
Research Component
The research component of Fragile Strength, led by the University of Essex, is central to the project's mission of addressing stigma and fostering awareness around male mental health.
Art Exhibitions
The Fragile Strength art exhibition is a cornerstone of the project, showcasing works by six renowned international artists who explore themes of masculinity, vulnerability, and resilience.
Community Engagement
Community engagement lies at the heart of the Fragile Strength project, aiming to create meaningful connections, foster dialogue, and challenge the stigma surrounding male mental health. By engaging South Asian, trans, and gay men, in the United Kingdom and India, the project provides a safe and inclusive platform for expression, awareness, and mutual support.
The programme includes a range of events designed to encourage participation and reflection. Workshops such as Collage Making, Draw and Talk, Talk and Listen, and Process Drama allow participants to creatively explore their emotions. Open Mic and Storytelling sessions provide opportunities for individuals to share personal narratives in a supportive environment. Additionally, film screenings of works by artists like Chetan Bhakuni and Ruben Hamlyn will spark conversations about identity and mental health.
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Key events like Panel Discussions bring together mental health experts, community leaders, and participants to explore actionable solutions to mental health challenges. The Exhibitions at The Alliance Française de Delhi, The Instituto Cervantes - New Delhi, and The Minories, Colchester showcase art addressing themes of masculinity, vulnerability, and resilience while incorporating findings from research conducted by the University of Essex.
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This engagement is essential for breaking barriers, building trust, and encouraging open conversations about mental health, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and empathetic community.
Research Component
The research component of Fragile Strength, led by the University of Essex, is central to the project's mission of addressing stigma and fostering awareness around male mental health. This research aims to understand barriers to self-expression and mental health challenges faced by South Asian, trans, and gay men in Colchester. By combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies, it seeks to bridge academic insight with actionable community outcomes.
What is Happening
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Qualitative Interviews: Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with South Asian men from Colchester and surrounding areas. These interviews aim to explore cultural and societal influences on self-expression and mental health.
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Quantitative Surveys: Broader surveys will collect data from South Asian men across diverse socio-economic backgrounds to identify common challenges and patterns in mental health.
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Reporting and Sharing: The findings will be compiled into a comprehensive report, offering insights into the barriers and opportunities for mental well-being in the target communities. Visual and narrative elements of the findings will also be showcased in the project’s exhibition.
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Impact Measurement: Feedback during the exhibition and events will assess the project's effectiveness and inform future initiatives.
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Why We’re Doing It
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The research addresses a critical gap in understanding the mental health experiences of marginalised groups, particularly men, whose struggles are often overlooked. By uncovering cultural and social barriers, we aim to create tailored interventions that promote dialogue, inclusivity, and resilience.
This evidence-based approach not only informs the artistic and community engagement aspects of the project but also ensures a lasting societal impact.
Art Exhibitions
The Fragile Strength art exhibition is a cornerstone of the project, showcasing works by six renowned international artists who explore themes of masculinity, vulnerability, and resilience. Through a diverse range of artistic media, the exhibition seeks to provoke meaningful conversations about male mental health and challenge societal stereotypes.
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Exhibition Details
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Alliance Française de Delhi
Dates: January 10, 2025 – January 24, 2025
Place: 72, KK Birla Ln, Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003, India
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The Instituto Cervantes - New Delhi
Dates: February 15, 2025 – February 28, 2025
Place: 48, Hanuman Rd, Hanuman Road Area, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
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The Minories - Colchester
Dates: June 21, 2025 – July 27, 2025
Place: 74 High St, Colchester CO1 1UE
Why This Matters
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The exhibition not only highlights the importance of addressing male mental health but also bridges art and community by integrating research findings into the display. This fusion of academic insight and artistic expression aims to leave a lasting impact on audiences, fostering empathy and understanding.
