Ambiguity and uncertainty aren’t really things we get used to, and yet, our lives are full of ambiguity and uncertainty.
We simply cannot know what’s actually going to happen next. Our industry is – yet again – demonstrating unbelievable capacity and capability to move with rapid changes: to bend without breaking, to come up again after we have dropped low, and to hold open as many possibilities as we can without getting too attached to any one outcome.
As those of us in Victoria find ourselves moving through another snap-action to control a COVID-19 outbreak, the repeated shifts in energy, mobility and work can be jarring, to say the least. There’s a lot going on for our industry, and many of us are juggling very real difficulties in both our personal and work lives.
It’s a message that can be frustrating in its simplicity, but at times like these – be kind to yourself and each other. Keep hold of the simple strategies and ask for help for your mental health and wellbeing. Call the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline on 1800 959 500 to discuss any aspect of your mental health and wellbeing, available 24/7 Australia-wide. There is also dedicated support for arts managers and leaders available. We know that looking after ourselves is critical, and so is the support we receive from our leaders, companies, and organisations. Creating mentally healthy workplaces is more important than ever.
In exciting news, we have just launched our brand-new revamped website! Over the next few weeks, we will be putting the finishing touches on it and adding more resources, so please bear with us if you spot any errors or hiccups! The new website is designed to be easier to navigate and is full of resources to promote mental health and wellbeing in the performing arts industry. We hope you like it!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Mental Health Matinée: Exit Stage Left. If you missed this session or any others, you can catch up online. We hope you can join us for the next Mental Health Matinée on Thursday 17 June at 11.30am.
Wishing you good health, warmth, and creativity,
The team at Arts Centre Melbourne
Upcoming event
Mental Health Matinée: Back after interval
As COVID-19 restrictions ease across Australia, many of us are beginning a gradual return to work in the performing arts industry. What are the mental health impacts we should consider as we continue our recovery journey? This session explores how you can take steps to care for your mental health – and the mental health of your peers – as we help get our creative community back on stage. Presented by Dr Jane Miskovic-Wheatley, Sage Psychology.
Mental Health First Aid: Refresher training
If you have previously completed Mental Health First Aid training with the Arts Wellbeing Collective, you might be due for a refresher course. The accreditation lasts for three years. If you would like to attend a refresher course, a limited number of places have become available for our next session on Friday 25 June at Arts Centre Melbourne.
Mental Health First Aid
Wednesday 30 June & Friday 2 July, 10am – 5pm
Wednesday 7 & Friday 9 July, 10am – 5pm
Wednesday 21 & Friday 23 July, 10am – 5pm
We are so pleased to share that we will be moving ahead with face to face delivery of Mental Health First Aid in the coming months (COVID-19 depending!). The training will take place over two full days, Wednesdays and Fridays. There is no pre-reading required, but please note, the course content and course commitment requires emotional and mental energy, concentration and focus.
Resources
Back after interval: tips and techniques for performers and creatives
The mental and physical strain of performing was well-known before COVID-19. It hasn’t suddenly become easier now that our theatres are reopening. Add to that the complex and sometimes competing emotions of excitement, gratitude, sadness, frustration, and many more that we might be feeling, it’s no surprise that we might be looking for some tips and techniques for navigating this unusual time.
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.
Support
TNA’s 1000 x 1000: Crisis Cash for Independents
If you are an individual or organisation in a position to make an EOFY donation, please consider giving generously to TNA’s 1000 x 1000 Crisis Cash for Independents Appeal the Donations via the Australian Cultural Fund. Donations are being accepted till 30 June. If you are an independent artist or arts worker who requires urgent financial assistance, please fill out a simple EOI requesting support from the Crisis Cash fund.
Support Act: MusicKeeper and CrewKeeper cash grants
If you’re working professionally in any genre of music and need financial support, our friends at Support Act have MusicKeeper and CrewKeeper cash grants available. Cash grants are valued at $2,000 for individuals and $2,700 for families with dependent children. The grants are available to anyone working in the industry, from musicians, songwriters and publishers to crew workers, managers, promoters and journalists. They are for all music genres including rock, pop, indie, classical, country, cabaret, music theatre, art music, heavy, electronic, dance, hip hop, soul, jazz, RnB, blues and folk.
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.
