Mixed media printmaking as a tool in raising awareness about the causes of Mental health challenges in Kampala District

Abstract

Mental health challenges in Kampala District, Uganda, are shaped by intertwined social, economic, academic, and cultural pressures. Despite increasing recognition of mental health concerns, stigma and silence continue to limit public understanding and open dialogue about their underlying causes. While existing awareness initiatives have primarily relied on conventional communication approaches, limited attention has been given to the potential of visual art as a culturally relevant means of engaging communities. This study therefore examined the role of mixed media printmaking in raising awareness about the causes of mental health challenges in Kampala District, exploring its potential to translate complex social and emotional experiences into accessible visual narratives that encourage reflection and dialogue. Guided by the Pragmatic Theory of Art and the Constructivist paradigm, the study adopted a qualitative Arts-Based Research (ABR) approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, participatory workshops, observation, literature review, and studio practice. The findings informed the development of a series of mixed media print artworks that visually communicated the lived experiences of participants. Thematic and visual analyses revealed five major contributors to mental health challenges: academic pressure, time pressure and societal expectations, economic instability, public judgment, and concealed emotional struggles. The study found that mixed media printmaking functioned as both a reflective and communicative platform, enabling participants' experiences to be transformed into symbolic visual narratives while encouraging audiences to engage with complex mental health issues. Through the integration of layering, texture, collage, stitching, and printmaking techniques, the artworks mirrored the complexity of lived experiences and created opportunities for empathy, dialogue, and critical reflection. Audience evaluation demonstrated that viewers were able to interpret the intended messages, relate them to their own experiences, and engage in meaningful conversations about the causes of mental health challenges. The study concludes that mixed media printmaking is an effective and culturally relevant visual communication tool for raising awareness about the causes of mental health challenges in Kampala District. By transforming lived experiences into compelling visual narratives, the study expands the role of printmaking beyond aesthetic practice into socially responsive communication and community engagement. It demonstrates the potential of mixed media printmaking to foster public reflection, challenge stigma, and support arts-based mental health awareness initiatives in Uganda. The study recommends integrating mixed media printmaking into schools, community organisations, galleries, and public awareness programmes as a complementary approach to mental health communication. Keywords: Mixed media printmaking, Mental health challenges, Visual communication, Arts-Based Research, Public awareness, Community engagement, Kampala District, Uganda.