An Online Supportive Practice Group
For Writers & Artists Living and Working with Depression
Is This Programme Right for You?
Actively practising artist in any field such as literature, music or visual art. While we understand you may not earn the majority of your income from your art, you must be able to evidence a body of work and an established artistic practice.
Lived experience of clinical depression. This group is for artists living with a diagnosed depressive condition, such as major depression, bipolar depression, PMDD, perinatal depression, dysthymia or treatment-resistant depression. You don’t need to share details of your diagnosis or history, but this is a space built around that shared experience. As Bonjour Tristesse is peer support and not a replacement for clinical care, we ask that you have some ongoing support in place outside the group, whether that’s a GP, therapist, psychiatrist or support service.
23 years and older. Due to the nature of the programme, it will be helpful that you have both begun to develop your artistic identity and also engaged with some level of support for your mental health, such as therapy, group support or educational programmes. This takes time, hence the age requirement.
Engagement. There are a total of ten sessions. Please only apply if you are able to commit to at least 8 of the 10 sessions. We understand that illness and other things arise, but it is a small community of 13 participants, and showing up is a core principle of the programme.
Have an interest in the world around you. This is not a given in the arts. Part of the programme is finding a way to give back to your community through your art. That could be anything from helping others with depression to hosting an event, a workshop or a talk. This is not a programme on “how to get published” or “how to get a record deal”. You won’t be doing this during the programme, but you will create a seed to develop later.
Please apply by email to srbyrne@gmail.com by December 5th 2026 with the following:
A short introduction to you and your practice (around 300 words). Who you are, what you make, and what you hope to get from the group.
Samples of your work. For example, up to 10 images, up to 10 pages of writing, or up to 3 tracks or recordings, plus a website or Instagram/website link if you have one.
Your community seed (around 150 words). A rough idea of how you might give back through your art, even if it’s only half-formed.
A short declaration confirming:
I am 23 years of age or older.
I can commit to attending at least 8 of the 10 sessions.
I have ongoing support for my mental health in place outside the group (for example, a GP, therapist, psychiatrist or support service).
*Any questions please get in touch by email)*
