Bonkersfest, to be held July 19 in South London, calls itself a celebration of madness, creativity, individuality and eccentricity, “bonkers celebrations for everyone — bonkers or not,” The Times in the UK reports.Dolly Sen, 37, an artist and writer who participated, says the day will shine light on all the creative people with mental illness.
Performance artist Bobby Baker explained, “There’s a history of many artists and writers being diagnosed with mental illness. People who were unusual and different used to be more celebrated and accommodated, but now there’s a tremendous amount of fear. I feel people like me have a sensitivity and creativity that is very valuable, as well as an enormous sense of humour about the whole thing.”
Organized by arts group Creative Routes, the day aims "to celebrate the creativity of mad people and campaign against discrimination." Although many celebrities admit to mental health issues, the ordinary person still faces stigma and may be afraid to be "out" with a mental illness. (British actor Stephen Fry has written about his experience of having bipolar disorder, and Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson have discussed struggles with clinical depression).
“You feel ashamed,” says Sen. “It feels like something that should be hidden. Since I’ve been involved with Bonkersfest, my confidence has gone through the roof. It’s so empowering to be with people who understand you because they’ve been exactly where you’ve been, and you know they won’t judge you.”
