Our Story
Returning from 3 to 8 October in 2025, Recovered Futures will be held during Queensland Mental Health Week and proudly presented by Richmond Fellowship Queensland (RFQ).
The exhibition showcases work from artists who have lived mental health challenges and is a platform for shared experiences, stimulating important conversations and awareness surrounding mental health.
Celebrating its 34th year in 2025, this exhibition boasts a rich and vibrant history. RFQ has had the honour of proudly hosting since 2018, and we're thrilled to continue our commitment to sharing space for artists to share their stories . Dive into the fascinating history behind the exhibition’s enduring legacy below.
How we got here
The Recovered Futures Art Exhibition provides artists with the unique experience of displaying their art and sharing their stories in a prominent location in the heart of Brisbane – King George Square.
From humble beginnings in 1991 during Schizophrenia Awareness Week fast forward to celebrating 34 years in 2025.
Take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the key moments in the exhibition's history.
1991: Exhibition established
In May 1991, the Schizophrenia Fellowship of Queensland (which became Mental Illness Fellowship of Queensland - MIFQ) drop-in Centre arranged for members’ art work to be hung on its walls throughout Schizophrenia Awareness Week.
1997 to 2010: Moving venues
King George Square remained the venue for Schizophrenia Awareness Week Art Exhibitions for a further eight years. The Exhibition grew with over 9,500 people attending in 2002.
Some of the artworks were sold to overseas buyers and many of the pieces adorn the walls of the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, and The Park Centre for Mental Health.
In 2006 the exhibition was held in the Riverside Centre on Eagle Street and then moved to Southbank Piazza before returning to King George Square in 2010 where it has remained ever since.
Silver Anniversary: Celebrating 25 years
2016 marked 25 years of the exhibition. Hosted by Mental Illness Fellowship Queensland (MIFQ), the event was a retrospective and hosted 174 artists showcasing 390 works of art.
The purpose remained to showcase incredible talents of artists and raise awareness of those living with mental health challenges in the community.
2018: RFQ Launches Recovered Futures
RFQ proudly takes on responsibility for the exhibition, and launches the exhibition as 'Recovered Futures' to align with their key mission which is 'A future recovered for those facing mental health challenges and social disadvantage.'
Coinciding with Queensland Mental Health Week and World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2018, the event aimed to raise awareness of and destigmatise mental illness, as well as educate the community about the importance of mental health and wellbeing in everyone’s lives.
2024
In it's 33rd year, Recovered Futures saw 270 works by 180 artists exhibited in King George Square. Over 10,000 visitors came through the doors and over 16,000 to the online store, with $72,000 worth of art work sold. RFQ is proud to see 85 percent of proceeds going directly back to the artists.
This exhibition also marked 50 years of RFQ's service to the community and was celebrated as part of the exhibition.
1991: Exhibition established
In May 1991, the Schizophrenia Fellowship of Queensland (which became Mental Illness Fellowship of Queensland - MIFQ) drop-in Centre arranged for members’ art work to be hung on its walls throughout Schizophrenia Awareness Week.
1997 to 2010: Moving venues
King George Square remained the venue for Schizophrenia Awareness Week Art Exhibitions for a further eight years. The Exhibition grew with over 9,500 people attending in 2002.
Some of the artworks were sold to overseas buyers and many of the pieces adorn the walls of the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, and The Park Centre for Mental Health.
In 2006 the exhibition was held in the Riverside Centre on Eagle Street and then moved to Southbank Piazza before returning to King George Square in 2010 where it has remained ever since.
Silver Anniversary: Celebrating 25 years
2016 marked 25 years of the exhibition. Hosted by Mental Illness Fellowship Queensland (MIFQ), the event was a retrospective and hosted 174 artists showcasing 390 works of art.
The purpose remained to showcase incredible talents of artists and raise awareness of those living with mental health challenges in the community.
2018: RFQ Launches Recovered Futures
RFQ proudly takes on responsibility for the exhibition, and launches the exhibition as 'Recovered Futures' to align with their key mission which is 'A future recovered for those facing mental health challenges and social disadvantage.'
Coinciding with Queensland Mental Health Week and World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2018, the event aimed to raise awareness of and destigmatise mental illness, as well as educate the community about the importance of mental health and wellbeing in everyone’s lives.
2024
In it's 33rd year, Recovered Futures saw 270 works by 180 artists exhibited in King George Square. Over 10,000 visitors came through the doors and over 16,000 to the online store, with $72,000 worth of art work sold. RFQ is proud to see 85 percent of proceeds going directly back to the artists.
This exhibition also marked 50 years of RFQ's service to the community and was celebrated as part of the exhibition.
Meet the team
Our team work on the exhibition as part of their roles in the Communications and Marketing department of Richmond Fellowship Queensland (RFQ). You can find a brief overview of their roles in the annual art exhibition below.
Tea, Manager Communications & Events: The boss lady, Tea has full oversight over Recovered Futures exhibition and she knows it inside and out as she formerly held the role of Senior Events Coordinator.
Jacqui, Events Coordinator: Jacqui is your main contact for everything applications, artwork and general queries. Jacqui loves the visual design element of pulling together a completely pop up exhibition and transforming King George Square into something truly special.
Ellen, Communications & Marketing Coordinator: The wordsmith and grammar guru, Ellen makes sure all of the written communications pack a punch. Ellen will interview our artists and tell their stories with authenticity.
Jess, Communications & Marketing Officer: Jess loves interviews, spellchecking and curating meaningful and engaging content to draw visitors to the exhibition. She is an all round support superstar.
Kaycee, Creative Support Officer: Kaycee is responsible for the branding and design of the Recovered Futures social tiles, adverts, program and lots more! We love the vibrancy and energy she has packed into the 2025 branding.
Proudly presented by Richmond Fellowship Queensland
The Recovered Futures Art Exhibition is proudly hosted by Richmond Fellowship Queensland (RFQ). RFQ is a leading provider of recovery orientated, psychosocial services throughout Queensland and nationally via telehealth services.
RFQ is dedicated to a future recovered for people facing mental health challenges and social disadvantage.
At RFQ we support people in recovery. We inspire hope and empower people. We work with our partners to support people’s recovery.
Together, we can recover futures.