It was opening day at the Tate Modern. I found myself in the Rothko room, curious to see if I could connect with his work. Up until that point, I’d never really understood why he was so feted.

I sat alone for half an hour, surrounded by Rothko’s work. 

Finally, I understood.

I got utterly lost in what on the face of it were just canvases with big brushstrokes of colours. Red, purple … what on earth was it all about? I still can’t tell you, but what I can tell you is that his paintings made me feel calm, serene and quiet.

It’s a moment in time that’s stuck with me ever since. I revisit it whenever I’m feeling stressed and need a mental escape.

I’m passionate about art. It feeds the soul. It makes me happy, it takes me somewhere else. I like to imagine what inspired the artist to do whatever it is that I’m looking at. Art moves me, sometimes to tears – like the time I saw my first Caravaggio, the Entombment of Christ. And I’m not particularly religious! 

There has always been a profound connection between art and mental wellness. Art can help us to feel less alone; to guide us in exploring a whole spectrum of feelings, and to heal us when we need support. 

The creative process itself can also nurture us, refresh us and help us to express our emotions. Research has shown that engaging in creative and artistic pursuits can help to reduce anxiety and depression. There’s even the burgeoning field of neuroaesthetics, which studies how arts impact the brain. Some research here has revealed that art can impact positively on the areas of the brain associated with pleasure and rewards, and can even help us to build our ability to regulate our emotions.

It makes sense, then, to harness the strong connection between art and mental wellness. 

At NABS, we’ve decided to make the most of this wonderful link by organising our nationwide Art Auction. We’ve invited people from across our industry to submit their artwork, and people in all kinds of roles have sent in the fruits of their creativity. 

The artwork that we’ve received so far is fantastic. There’s a great variety of work, from paintings to poetry, sculptures to sketches. There are even some collectables: industry legend Mark Denton will be donating some of his work, and his pieces are always unmissable.

All proceeds raised at the auction will go towards helping people across the industry, whether they come to NABS for a confidential chat, to take part in a workshop, or to watch one of our talks. It’s clear that our industry’s mental health needs help. NABS’ support team have seen a marked increase in calls in recent years, with a 13% hike year-on-year following a 53% increase the year before, making 4,500 calls in 2023.

However, it’s not just people using NABS’ services who will benefit from the art auction. Those who are submitting artwork are also doing something positive for their mental wellness, as they take time out for themselves to engage with their creativity, to express what’s on their mind, and to create something new to put out into the world.

The art auctions take place in London, Manchester and Edinburgh this October, alongside an online art auction. Join us at one of the events to view and bid for the art, together with colleagues from across adland. And if you’ve got some artwork to submit, you’ve just got time to get it to us.

Submissions close on 9 September; find out how to submit your work by visiting https://nabs.org.uk/art-auction/.