The Sozosei Foundation convened a group of artists and leaders from the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors to consider the role of the arts at the Sozosei Foundation. The Arts Convening was diverse by design.
The Foundation convened funders for a conversation with GREY Advertising about a social-impact initiative to reframe serious mental illness and elevate perceptions around psychiatry. This effort moves beyond traditional de-stigmatization campaigns by addressing deep-seated heuristics and cultural behaviors around mental illness and psychiatry to create empathy. This is a pivotal first step in people viewing serious mental illness as a treatable chronic condition — similar to breast cancer and AIDS.
The 2nd Sozosei Summit to Decriminalize Mental Illness was held from December 13-15, 2021 in Philadelphia, PA. A global event, the Summit brings together thought leaders, people with lived experience, medical professionals, lawyers, judges, advocates, artists, and funders — all working to build a world where mental illness is not a crime.