Behind the Mask: Healing, Mental Health and Art

Hear from Dr Tony Woods as he highlights the impact of art-based projects that focus on healing and self-discovery for military veterans.

In recent years, the importance of mental health in the veteran community has become increasingly apparent. Charities and organisations across the UK have been looking for new pathways and projects to support this work.

Behind the Mask was one such project, encouraging tri-service veterans to explore their emotions and their often-traumatic experiences through the painting of masks.

Dr Tony Woods will explore how projects like Behind the Mask are helping veterans share and process their experiences. He will discuss how these projects can support recovery after deployment, provide a powerful outlet for emotion, and offer a space for connection and understanding.

Dr Woods will highlight the profound impact such initiatives can have, and why they can be truly transformational for those who take part.

A selection of artwork created through the Behind the Mask project will be on display in the Museum.

Image: US Embassy London Collection (Photography by Ken Adlard)

About the speaker

Dr Tony Woods is the Programme Manager for the SHAPER programme at King's College London - the world's largest study into the impact of arts on physical and mental health. Previously, he spent 16 years at Wellcome, was the CEO of the Genesis Research Trust, and lectured in neurosciences at St George's, University of London.