First Fortnight, the arts-based project that aims to promote mental-health awareness, will launch the first phase of its scheme on Monday, when Republic of Loose kick off a three-date college campus tour at UCD.

The volunteer-based project, which was founded in 2010, usually stages a one-day event in mid-January – the first fortnight of the year – as that period is generally perceived to be a difficult time for those suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts. This year, they plan to expand their event to a 10-day arts festival, from January 4th to 14th, which will include the live music element that has been their foundation, as well as various talks, art exhibitions and shows that fall under the banner of mental health awareness. This is also the first year that they have staged a college tour.

And So I Watch You From Afar, CODES and Le Galaxie were amongst the acts at First Fortnight 2011. Organisers are currently finalising the line-up for 2012's edition. firstfortnight.com