Your co-worker may be experiencing depression. Your student may have test-taking anxiety. Your friend may check their doors, which are locked seven times before bed. Many mental illnesses often go unseen, but exist. Considered invisible illnesses, many psychiatric conditions do not have overtly visible symptoms that you can see immediately when first looking at a person. Raising awareness and providing a safe space for festival-goers to immerse themselves in mental health and art is WisdoMania Fest.
WisdoMania Fest is co-hosted by two mental health nonprofits, the WisdoMania Foundation and Tangible Movement. These nonprofits were founded by individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and endeavor to live meaningful and fulfilling lives with mental illness.
The founder of the WisdoMania Foundation is X. ARI, a Canadian musician who has spent over two decades in the game. Living with mental health disorders, X. ARI has channeled her personal struggles into her music and art. Finding comfort and value in self-care, creativity, therapy, and coping skills, the WisdoMania founder is a testament to how to turn pain into power. Now, X. ARI hopes to help others heal and find purpose through various art and wellness programs and activities, learning to balance health and happiness.
Photo Courtesy: WisdoMania Fest
Torri Shack is a revolutionary advocate of the connection between mental health and LGBTQ+ challenges, and he has taken his passion and dedication to this intersection by founding the nonprofit Tangible Movement in 2016. The CEO has fostered an organization known for its resilience training and Lived Experience Perspective Presentations that aim to break down stereotypes. Shack’s voice extends beyond Tangible Movement, also serving on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northern Nevada’s board of directors.
The festival co-founders have personal experiences that inspired them to establish their organizations and create WisdoMania Fest. X. ARI’s mental health healing journey included therapy and medication, but also speaking at schools with NAMI and building connections with her musical audience. This artist is a model of the hard work and commitment it takes to live with mental illness. Shack’s formidable challenges stem from a deeply unstable upbringing and environment that set a complex stage for his early life. Facing depression, among other struggles, Shack combined professional help and profound dedication to change to overcome his obstacles.
Photo Courtesy: WisdoMania Fest
Through their journeys, X. ARI and Shack wish to share their collective wisdom with others, emphasizing that everything is temporary, nothing lasts forever, and there is a transformative power in embracing struggles as opportunities for growth and change.
Raising awareness and building community, WisdoMania Fest is a two-day, all-ages event created by X.ARI and Shack. This festival is dedicated to self-care, creativity, mental health, and entertainment. Providing a safe and supportive space for every attendee to feel embraced and seen, you can choose different adventures at WisdoMania Fest, like flow yoga, sound baths, songwriting for wellness activities, comedy shows, and live music. Not only is X. ARI playing at the festival, but other artists are lined up as a treat for your ears. Noah Davis, Diarra Sylla, and DJ Nate are all playing at the festival.
Photo Courtesy: WisdoMania Fest
Opening avenues to transition pain into power, WisdoMania Foundation and Tangible Movement hope to transform burdens into blessings through their unique and innovative festival. Just like last year, they hope to leave their attendees with more coping skills in their toolkit and set alight massive growth to help the world heal. Get your FREE tickets to WisdoMania Fest here.
Published by: Martin De Juan
