First Fortnight has uncovered several artists and speakers who will join the arts festival programme. Sports journalist Paul Kimmage will be in conversation with Jim Carroll during the Banter @ First Fortnight portion of the event. Up-and-coming Irish band Otherkin have also been announced as part of the Big Gig music spectacular at the Button Factory. The extremely influential (and controversial) Irish psychiatrist Ivor Browne will be showcased in the film The Wonder Eye: A Portrait of Ivor Browne. His contributions to Irish mental health will be presented in a quirky, thought-provoking 70-minute documentary.

Running in its eighth year, the arts festival aims to challenge mental health stigmas by looking towards the importance of words and art in the shaping of human relationships. From theatre to music to comedy, the festival encompasses all forms of creative outlets to talk about mental health. Other announced performers include comedian Eleanor Tiernan & Grainne McKeever and musicians Le Galaxie.

Care to be a performer yourself? Plenty of room for that! A moth poetry slam and sing along social are just a couple of events that involve speaking out loud and striking up conversation around emotional well-being.

“The timing of this festival is crucial as it takes place in early January, the bleakest time of the year especially for those vulnerable among us." The festival begins on January 1 and runs throughout the first two weeks of the month at various venues around Dublin, including the IFI, Workman's Club, and National Botanic Gardens. Admission for each event ranges in price, and some are free of charge.

For full prrogramme details, check out First Fortnight's webiste - www.firstfortnight.ie