The Big Anxiety Festival

The Big Anxiety Festival, the biggest mental health and arts festival in the world, will explore and re-imagine the state of mental health in the 21^st century.

Leading national and international artists, scientists, technology experts and thinkers will assemble across Greater Sydney for The Big Anxiety Festival from 20 September to 11 November.

Tackling the big anxieties of our times, as well as the stresses and strains of everyday life, The Big Anxiety Festival presents over 60 events across Sydney with hubs located at Customs House, Riverside Theatres Parramatta, and UNSW Paddington.

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia.  On average, 1 in 4 people – 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men – will experience anxiety. –

ABS National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2007

The Big Anxiety Festival is set to transform the ways people think about and deal with mental health via innovative experiences that include state-of-the-art immersive environments including the world's highest resolution 3D cinema, international art exhibitions, theatre and performance, contemporary dance, interactive media events and public forums for the entire family.

The Big Anxiety Festival vision is to create opportunities for meaningful encounters that increase curiosity and empathy, decrease stigma, support neurodiversity and promote psychological and emotional well-being in our society.

65% of Australians with a mental health problem don't seek help – NSW Mental Health Commission

The inaugural Big Anxiety Festival revolves around five major themes:

Awkward Conversations explores the way we communicate, especially when it comes to discussing difficult subjects like suicide and anxiety.

Lived Experiences examines the nitty gritty of life like trauma, loss, recovery and hope through the lens of creativity and vulnerability.

NeurodiverseCity celebrates diversity of the mind by asking why difference prompts anxiety and stigmatisation.

Power, Politics and Institutions investigates the increasing struggle to maintain mental health in our fast-paced, hyper-connected society, and the hand that institutions play in perpetuating illness.

Mood Experiments uncovers the way our environment can drastically influence the way we experience the world.