Colour, Culture and Health Conversation: highlighting South Asian experiences of eating disorders through art and dialogue

The Eating Disorders Health Integration Team (EDHIT) hosted a well‑attended Patient & Public Involvement (PPI) event at Arnolfini Arts, Bristol, on Thursday 5 February 2026. In line with EDHIT’s commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, the event was free and designed to welcome people from diverse communities.

The evening featured a mindful mandala workshop led by community artist and facilitator Sayambrita Mukherjee. The session offered a gentle, creative space for people with lived experience of eating disorders to connect, slow down, and find a sense of calm through art‑making.

Attendees also viewed a Bharatnatyam dance performance inspired by research exploring disordered eating among South Asian university students in the UK after migration. This was followed by rich group discussions exploring the intersections of colour, culture, and health.

Participants reported leaving with a greater sense of personal wellbeing, as well as a deeper understanding of eating difficulties from a range of cultural perspectives.

I have gained a feeling of belonging.

Lovingly holded space.

Blending health awareness with creativity.

Absolute sense of calm. Helped me slow down which I’m terrible at usually – and need.

Thank you for bringing all people together and creating such a safe space.

The film was amazing.

Linking health and culture with art.