About the Festival
We host an Annual Mental Health Arts and Culture Festival that sparks conversations, fosters community, and challenges the stigma surrounding mental health, encouraging people to seek the help they need.
The festival celebrates the arts as a powerful catalyst for sparking unscripted conversations around mental ill health and aspires to make the beginning of each year synonymous with mental health awareness, actively challenging societal prejudices, and eradicating the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health.
Festival Origins
2026 marks fifteen years since the inaugural First Fortnight festival.
The festival's origins, as per legend, trace back to a kitchen table conversation in Tallaght between founders David Keegan and J.P. Swaine. Both involved in the arts, the pair were concerned about the fear and shame around discussing mental health within the industry and beyond.
“First Fortnight was created to challenge mental-health stigma through a positive arts festival. Early January can be a difficult time, especially for those facing loneliness or stress. The festival aims to offer a cultural oasis for anyone struggling with their mental health.”
Mary Coughlan performing at Nollaig na mBan in 2025
Women in Harmony performing at Nollaig na mBan in 2024
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Henry Baker performing at Therapy Sessions Dublin in 2025
Stephen James Smith - host of Therapy Sessions
Festival Favourites
Each year, First Fortnight presents a series of much-loved events that bring people together through creativity and conversation. Highlights include Therapy Session, a vibrant mix of spoken word and music, Nollaig na mBan, a wonderful evening of music, poetry and fun to celebrate Women's Christmas, and Dublin Story Slam, where audiences share true personal stories. These events capture the spirit of the festival, creative, inclusive and rooted in community.
Participation & Engagement
At First Fortnight, we believe creativity is most powerful when people take part. Our participatory events invite audiences to move beyond observation and actively engage in the creative process. Led by artists and mental health professionals, these experiences open access to artistic expression and build confidence, connection and community. Through hands-on workshops and collaborative art-making, participants are encouraged to explore, experiment and express themselves. This active involvement supports wellbeing, strengthens understanding of mental health and helps break down stigma. Each event is a reminder that creativity belongs to everyone and that art can be a powerful tool for healing and personal growth.
