As we head into Autumn and adjust to the cooler weather, this can be a great time to reflect, connect with the things and people that energise and uplift us, and prepare for what comes next.
As many of us return to creative work and workplaces, take a moment to think back on what you’ve learnt across the course of the last twelve months and consider what you want to take forward with you. If you’re after some prompting questions, check out our latest resources, Back after interval: tips and techniques for practitioners and performing arts workers and Back after interval: tips and techniques for leaders, managers and organisations. These provide practical tips and questions to help you navigate this period of change and reopening.
Maybe it’s just our own confirmation bias, but there seems to be a proliferation of messaging lately about self-care and wellbeing! While this absolutely comes from a good place (and we’re big advocates for self-care and wellbeing) these kinds of reminders can sometimes become exhausting in their own right, and can even have the opposite effect than we hope for! While we can always take steps to improve our personal mental health and wellbeing, it’s important that our efforts are supported by positive systems and cultures across the entire industry that enable everyone to do their best work.
As we re-establish our industry, let’s ensure our workplaces are environments where our people can thrive. If you would like assistance in developing an actionable, practical strategy that suits the specific needs of your organisation, please feel free to get in touch. The Arts Wellbeing Collective team offers a masterclass on Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces in the performing arts industry, and we’d love to work with your organisation to help make your vision for a thriving company into a reality. As with all our services, resources and initiatives, the Masterclass is free of charge for member organisations.
We hope you can join us for our next Mental Health Matinée on Thursday 29 April at 2pm. Mental Health Matinée: Exit Stage Left will be presented by Susan Eldridge, and is designed for anyone who might be considering a career transition. The session will offer practical tips on how to articulate your skills, strengths and talents into a different role or industry.
Remember, you can catch up on all Mental Health Matinées online now. These 60-minute webinars cover a wide range of topics, delivered by subject matter experts including Chris Cheers, Coco Nkrumah, Glenda Chi, Jossy Jimenez, Jamie Marloo Thomas, Deone Zanotto and many more.
Since our last update, we’ve had the pleasure of delivering our first ‘in person’ workshops! We would like to thank everyone who joined us at Geelong Performing Arts Centre and Frankston Performing Arts Centre for Metro Connect. Your energy and commitment to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing made for wonderful, insightful discussions.
As we move increasingly towards delivering workshops and training in-person, we’re excited to be planning our first in-person Mental Health First Aid course. If you are interested in undertaking this training, please submit an expression of interest.
Wishing you good health and creativity,
The team at Arts Centre Melbourne
Upcoming event
Mental Health Matinée: Exit Stage Left
Have you been reflecting on your career and role in the performing arts industry, and thinking you might like to use your skills, strengths and talents in another way? Whether you’re considering a different career within the arts or a transition outside the arts, this session will give practical tips and techniques for presenting your arts expertise in a way that can enable a career transition. Presented by Susan Eldridge, Notable Values.
Resources
Back after interval: tips and techniques for practitioners and performing arts workers
Whether we’re working, training, rehearsing, presenting or touring, we’re likely doing so after a prolonged period away. As we navigate this return to our creative practice and work roles within a new context, it’s normal to feel a range of emotions. This will be a process of change that will be experienced differently by each of us.
Back after interval: tips and techniques for leaders, managers and organisations
Effectively preparing our teams, companies and organisations as we return to work and to work-sites is critical to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing. Fortunately, there are plenty of preventative, proactive steps to take to ensure our people are given every opportunity to do their best work as we rebuild and recover the performing arts industry.
Mental Health Matinée: On the road again
Going on tour is great fun, and one of the cornerstones of our thriving performing arts sector. But, what are the mental health impacts we should consider as we continue to navigate living, working and touring with the impact of COVID-19? Presented by Dr Jane Miskovic-Wheatley, Sage Psychology.
Support
Support Act Wellbeing Helpline
It can be tricky navigating the performing arts industry at the best of times – navigating in a COVID-normal world can be even trickier! It is never too early to ask for help, support, strategies or suggestions for looking after your mental health and wellbeing. Book in a session with an experienced, qualified clinician who understands the unique challenges of the performing arts. Call 1800 959 500, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to make an appointment.
If you or someone you know is at immediate risk, please contact the Emergency Services on 000.
