Frame of Mind was an annual art exhibition and autism awareness campaign that invited the viewer to engage with art in a meaningful and rich experience.

The yearly exhibition launched on April 2, 2014 and ran until 2017.

The event helped the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) celebrate World Autism Awareness Day (April 2) and aimed to increase autism awareness and education within the community, thereby initiating dialogue and support.

Highlighting La Trobe University’s research commitment to shaping healthy communities, the artworks were created by emerging and established artists around Australia who have autism.

Art-making can be influential in enhancing autistic people’s communication and self-expression.

Ranging from humourous to thought-provoking, the artworks were displayed proudly for the Frame of Mind campaign.

At the heart of each exhibition was a unique theme:
2014: Frame of Mind showcased the inspirational works of artist Dr Ray David (who is on the autism spectrum).
2015: The ‘figure and beyond’ theme creatively explored the human figure as the central motif.
2016: The ‘Paper Projects’ theme paid homage to the long history of paper as an art medium and the blank page’s limitless productive possibilities.

All exhibited works were for sale and a percentage of the proceeds went to OTARC as a fundraising initiative.