BROR

In Norway, an average of five men take their own lives every week. Although awareness around mental health has increased in recent years, many men still carry an invisible stigma related to vulnerability and emotional openness. Men account for nearly 70% of all suicides globally, and research shows they are significantly less likely to seek help for mental health challenges. This is not just a statistic — it is the reality for fathers, sons, brothers, and friends who often feel they must “man up” and hide their innermost struggles. “Men die in silence — not because they have nothing to say, but because no one listens.” — Unknown ⸻ Project Vision Through the collaboration between BROR Mental Health AS and Nordic Light, we aim to break the silence surrounding men’s mental health. We want to challenge societal stereotypes of masculinity and create a platform where men can express vulnerability without fear of judgment. This project is a hybrid of art, culture, and conversation — a space where visual art, film, music, and open dialogue come together to give voice to those who are too often unheard. ⸻ Project Content Photo Exhibition From October 1st to 18th, Nordic Light will present a photo exhibition addressing different aspects of men’s mental health. The exhibition will display powerful visual contrasts between strength and vulnerability, using images, audio clips, and personal stories to offer insight into men’s hidden struggles. Main Event – October 10–12: • Panel Discussions: Featuring well-known public figures, healthcare professionals, researchers, philosophers, politicians, and men with lived experience of mental health challenges. • Film Screening: Screening of the film Streif by director Celo Lorentz, followed by an open discussion. • Musical Performances: Artists using music as a means to express vulnerability. • Live Podcast and Streaming: Conversations with guests, experts, and the public to reach a broader audience. • Cultural Performances: Spoken word, poetry, and theatre exploring masculinity, vulnerability, and mental health. ⸻ Objectives • Awareness: To break down the stigma surrounding men’s mental health by showing that vulnerability is strength. • Community: To create an inclusive environment where men can express emotions without fear of judgment. • Prevention: To provide men and their loved ones with tangible tools to cope with mental health challenges. • Public Discourse: To place men’s mental health on the agenda in public and political discussions. • Auction: An art auction to raise funds for preventive work and mental health support. ⸻ Target Audience • Men of all ages who have experienced mental health challenges. • Families, friends, and loved ones seeking to better understand and support. • Healthcare professionals, therapists, researchers, and policymakers. • Young men in sports and educational settings, where the stigma around vulnerability is often strong. ⸻ Conclusion BROR x Nordic Light seeks to be a bridge between the inner lives of men and a world that often doesn’t listen. This collaboration is about more than art and dialogue — it’s about life. By sharing stories, giving voice to vulnerability, and building a community of openness, we can make a lasting difference in men’s mental health.