Mehmood Bhatti, a Pakistani community theatre practitioner affiliated with Interactive Research & Development (IRD), was recognised as a Global South Arts and Health Envoy at the opening ceremony of the Global South Arts and Health Week Qatar International Convening 2024.
The event, held on November 23 in Doha, honoured Bhatti’s contributions alongside leaders from Egypt, Kazakhstan, India, Qatar, Nigeria, Algeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, Argentina, South Africa, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Bhatti participated as a speaker and workshop facilitator along with Onaiza Qureshi, a global mental health practitioner at IRD Pakistan, and panelist, highlighting his work in integrating arts into mental health and community transformation.
Speaking about Bhatti’s impact, Dr Kunle Adewale, Global Development Lead and Executive Producer of Global South Arts and Health, said: “Mehmood’s work has significantly influenced the Global South Arts and Health community. His creative methodologies in mental health have inspired practitioners worldwide. At the convening in Doha, he facilitated therapeutic experiences for both international delegates and local participants. We look forward to continued collaboration with Mehmood through community theatre engagements, education, advocacy, and cultural exchanges to advance arts and health in the Global South and beyond.”
Representing IRD’s NIHR-funded ‘Improving outcomes for people with psychosis in Pakistan and India (PIECEs)’ programme in Pakistan, Bhatti leads initiatives that use arts-based approaches to address critical health issues such as HIV, tuberculosis, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health. Supported by international theatre and research leaders at People’s Palace Projects (Prof Paul Heritage) in Queen Mary University London, Bhatti’s work at IRD includes Theatre of the Oppressed performances, visual arts projects, and capacity-building workshops to promote emotional well-being, social inclusion, and engagement for individuals facing severe mental health challenges.
A key strength of IRD’s community theatre work is that it was user-led, with people with psychosis and their caregivers taking the lead in developing scripts and forum plays that highlighted their life experiences while engaging with healthcare professionals and community members to rethink what this group is truly capable of -- a true show of powerful advocacy and what is possible through participatory approaches in community mental health promotion.
During the Theatre of the Oppressed workshop, Bhatti and Qureshi demonstrated key elements of the approach with a diverse audience of performing arts and mental health professionals worldwide.
They engaged closely with the workshop’s theatre games to enhance image making such as ‘Columbian Hypnosis’ and ‘Complete the Action’.
Final presentations by each group showcased powerful images of important themes they experienced around discrimination and resilience through adversity.
GSHAW attendees collectively agreed that this approach could significantly enhance their community-based initiatives.
Furthermore, the workshop provided valuable insights on how to adapt and implement it effectively within their own contexts.
IRD is an international not-for-profit organisation committed to improving the physical, mental, and social well-being of underserved and vulnerable populations worldwide.
Headquartered in Singapore, with affiliates across Asia, Africa, and beyond, IRD has been a leader in piloting innovative solutions, evaluating impactful interventions, and fostering community-based approaches to health and well-being since 2004.
The organisation’s emphasis on user-led initiatives, such as those championed by Bhatti, reflects its dedication to participatory methods that empower communities and amplify the voices of those often marginalised.
Through programmes like PIECEs and partnerships with global leaders in arts and health such as the GSHAW consortium, IRD continues to demonstrate how creativity and collaboration can transform public health outcomes.
For more information about IRD and its initiatives, one can visit IRD’s website: www.ird.global
