The story so far
Everything starts with an idea and the courage to act on it
Since 2017, the Arts Wellbeing Collective has grown rapidly to become a comprehensive, sector-wide initiative promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in the performing arts industry.
By 2030, we seek a reduction in the prevalence, severity and harms from mental health problems in performing arts workplaces, as well as positive changes in the stories we tell about ourselves. We are united by our shared belief that cultural, emotional and physical safety underpin a thriving sector.
Over the last five years, the Arts Wellbeing Collective has:
- Grown to 350+ member organisations and 100+ individuals
- Delivered 100+ workshops and 70+ presentations, both in person and online
- Met with the leadership teams 40+ performing arts companies to support the development and implementation of their strategic visions for mental health
- Co-designed and delivered tailored mental health resources and workshops for performing arts workers across the sector
- Partnered with Support Act to extend the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline to performing arts workers
- Presented accredited Mental Health First Aid training to 200+ performing arts workers
How did the Arts Wellbeing Collective start?
In 2016 Arts Centre Melbourne CEO, Claire Spencer, was investigating mental health and wellbeing initiatives that could be delivered for Arts Centre Melbourne team members.
Then, Entertainment Assist and Victoria University’s report, Working in the Australian Entertainment Industry: Final Report (van den Eynde, Fisher & Sonn, 2016) was released. The report engaged with entertainment industry workers from across the sector – from performers to producers, dancers to directors, and a wide variety of management, production and technical roles. It uncovered startling statistics.
Of the entertainment industry workers surveyed:
0
%
Experienced symptoms of moderate to severe depression
0
%
Experienced symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety
With indicators of poor mental health so prevalent across all roles, there was an urgent need to create industry-wide positive systemic cultural change.
Recognising that the need was whole-of-industry, Arts Centre Melbourne sought funding to trial a response, and engaged an Advisory Group of experienced industry professionals. This lead to the Pilot Program of the Arts Wellbeing Collective in 2017.
The Pilot Program
The Arts Wellbeing Collective Pilot Program was developed in consultation with psychologists Greta Bradman and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.
The aim of the Pilot was to explore the unique mental health challenges faced by performing arts workers, identify themes, and test potential positive interventions.
Key facts about the Pilot Program:
- Launched in February 2017 and concluded in November 2017
- Attracted strong interest, delivering 40 activities across 2017 and welcoming 138 members to the Collective
- Was evaluated by independent, external expert led by consultant Ann Tonks who found there was: “a desire for the program to continue and expand. The program was seen as timely, useful, resource rich and generally well presented. There was relief that the program had started and gratitude to Arts Centre Melbourne for making it happen.”
The Pilot Program revealed a need for:
- Practical skills, knowledge and resources to address specific mental health challenges in the performing arts
- Support for performing arts companies and organisations to create mentally healthy workplaces
- Improved access to and awareness of support services
- Positive culture shifts around systems, processes and practices that were having a negative impact on mental health
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The Collective grows
At the end of the Pilot Program, Arts Centre Melbourne worked with innovation partner, PwC, to explore opportunities for continuing and growing the Arts Wellbeing Collective.
Key facts about the Arts Wellbeing Collective Program:
- Developed a strategy based on insights from Pilot Program evaluation and research into workplace mental health
- Secured funding from WorkSafe Victoria’s WorkWell Mental Health Improvement Fund
- Officially launched on World Mental Health Day 2018
- 2020 saw COVID-19 restrictions significantly impact the performing arts, AWC pivots to increased digital delivery of resources and services
Our Timeline
Arts Centre Melbourne is exploring mental health and wellbeing programs for the Arts Centre Melbourne team. At the same time, research emerges highlighting a striking discrepancy in prevalence of mental health problems between performing arts workers across all roles and the general population
Recognising that the issues are sector-wide, Arts Centre Melbourne conceives the Arts Wellbeing Collective Pilot, with a small group of partners and supporters.
The AWC Pilot engages a wide range of stakeholders through workshops, presentations and activities uncovering key mental health themes and trends in the industry. An independent evaluation shows overwhelming support for the program to continue.
In-depth strategy and planning gather pace. Three-year funding secured from WorkSafe Victoria’s WorkWell Mental Health Improvement Fund. Program officially launches on World Mental Health Day 10 October, 2018.
Year 1 of program roll out. Focus areas include touring, performance, de-role, production, reducing stigma, and access to support for those outside organisational structures.
Year 2 of program roll out. Focus areas include performance thriving, creating mentally healthy workplaces and creative self-care. COVID-19 significantly impacts the industry. Arts Centre Melbourne’s Emergency Appeal seeks funds to fast-track Arts Wellbeing Collective initiatives.
Year 3 of program roll out. Focus areas include supporting COVID-Safe re-openings, leading through change and uncertainty, and creating mentally healthy workplaces. COVID-19 continues to significantly impact the industry, creating ever-growing demand for the Arts Wellbeing Collective’s resources, programs and services.
