Mental health and wellbeing are topics that are all too familiar for many working in the arts – especially when it comes to burnout and vulnerability. The art sector is often among the first to respond with creative solutions to support the mental wellbeing of communities in times of crisis.
The Australia Council has been working to build a case for investment in arts and culture as being key to a national response to the mental health crisis and ArtsHub has written a great article outlining the details of The Australia Council’s Arts, Creativity and Mental Wellbeing Policy Development Program that was held early 2022. The program brought together the expertise of people working across the arts, the mental health sector, community organisations, research, policy, several government portfolios, along with the knowledge held by lived experience advocates.
Image: MADE Ensemble supports mental wellbeing through dance. The Frock Japan 2 – 2018 Choreography: Graeme Murphy; Photo Sandi Sissell.