In commemoration of International Stress Awareness Day themed “Promoting Mental Wellbeing and Effective Stress Management in Workplaces and Communities,” renowned Nigerian UK-based arts, culture, and wellbeing accelerator Oluwaseun Dosunmu hosted a Sip and Paint event in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Organised in collaboration with UnseenArt by Ladi and other leading artists and creatives, the event brought together a diverse community of musicians, poets, visual artists, dancers, and talent managers from Manchester, Leeds, Aberdeen, Halifax, and Bradford to celebrate art as a form of therapy and stress relief.
Beyond painting and social connection, the event featured a mental health art exhibition by visual artist Elizabeth Ebisemiju and a wellbeing dialogue where artists discussed their mental health experiences and shared coping strategies for stress management.
Speaking on the motivation behind the initiative, Dosunmu, who also founded The Care Inn Centre — a unique Bradford-based hub combining spa therapy with art and cultural exhibitions — highlighted the growing mental health challenges among creatives.
“We’ve observed that artists often neglect their physical and mental wellbeing because of deep immersion in their craft. We don’t rest enough, have irregular sleep, and overwork ourselves. This event creates a safe space for artists to unwind, express emotions through art, and access emotional support,” she said.
She added that The Care Inn Centre was born from a vision to promote artist wellbeing, creativity, and cultural connection within the West Yorkshire community.
Creative artist Oladipo Fadairo from UnseenArt by Ladi emphasized that artists must learn to care for their bodies and minds — the true “instruments of creation.”
“Painting or drawing helps us slow down, reflect, and breathe. Rest and mindfulness keep creativity alive. Art heals best when done together — one brushstroke at a time,” he noted.
Mental health artist Elizabeth Ebisemiju described the event as “a success that fused art, music, and mindfulness into an evening of relaxation and connection.”
Health professional Beatrice Iwuoha, a nurse, urged African creatives in the diaspora to break cultural silence around stress and mental health, saying,
“We must unlearn the belief that silence equals strength. It’s okay to speak up, seek help, and prioritise wellbeing.”
Similarly, professional dancer Joachim Keke (Jojomanii) and musician Oluwatimilehin Ogunleye (TYM) stressed the importance of self-care in sustaining creative careers. TYM called for stronger mental health structures in the entertainment industry, including therapy access and peer support systems.
“Caring for artists’ mental health is not just personal — it’s cultural. By breaking the silence, we build an industry that sustains talent, not one that burns it out,” he said.
The evening’s combination of painting, massages, games, and open conversation created a warm, restorative atmosphere — reinforcing the message that art heals, connects, and restores balance.
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