Resources like the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline and Good Arts, Good Mental Health offer vital assistance, but more robust mental health support is essential to support those shaping our cultural landscape.
Key points
Mental health and wellbeing are among the most pressing public policy challenges of our time. The COVID-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have intensified these challenges, which are likely to persist as we face the long-term effects of extreme weather events and ongoing social and economic disruptions.
Within the visual arts, craft, and design sector, concerns around mental health and wellbeing are growing. Preliminary findings from the current NAVA Member Survey reveal that mental health is a significant concern for artists and arts workers, emphasising the urgent need for targeted support and resources.
The precarious nature of work in the arts, combined with the pressures of financial instability, unrealistic job demands, inadequate support and opportunities, housing stress, poor organisational justice, and instances of bullying, violence and poor conflict management, contributes significantly to mental ill-health in the arts.
In response to the growing awareness of these mental health challenges, the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline remains accessible to visual artists and arts workers. This helpline offers a free, confidential phone counselling service for those in the sector. It’s staffed by experienced counsellors who can help with a range of issues, from mental health and wellbeing to career concerns, financial management and conflict resolution. The Helpline offers 12 free counselling sessions per person and appointments can generally be made to suit your needs.
The Wellbeing Helpline is also available to small-to-medium organisations (S2Ms) who do not have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The Helpline does not replace an organisational EAP or ongoing professional clinical support.
Furthering the conversation around mental health, the Productivity Commission's final report on mental health, released following a comprehensive inquiry into Australia’s mental health systems, policies, and programs, provides several key recommendations. The report emphasises the need for better coordination within the mental health system to ensure that people are receiving help when they need it.
One of the significant takeaways from the report is the importance of making mental health services more accessible and responsive, especially for communities that may be underserved, such as those in the visual arts sector. The report also highlights the necessity of early intervention, which can prevent the escalation of mental health issues into more severe conditions.
Amid these discussions, the Good Arts, Good Mental Health initiative stands out. The research is cited in Revive and shows that two-hour ‘doses’ of creative activity each week can improve mental health and wellbeing akin to 30 minutes of daily physical activity. This initiative is the result of award-winning research translated into a practical program aimed at improving mental wellbeing through arts engagement. Developed with input from over 3,000 community members, a research team from seven world-leading universities, and 31 government, industry, and philanthropic partners, the initiative demonstrates the benefits and potential of the arts for mental health and wellbeing.
However, it is crucial to understand that the benefits of arts engagement are not universally positive. While participating in the arts can promote mental wellbeing, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. The initiative rightly advises individuals who are unwell or unsure about their capacity to engage in arts activities to seek guidance from a health professional.
The conversation around mental health in the visual arts sector is far from over. As the NAVA survey and the Productivity Commission report reveal, there is an urgent need for continued support, awareness, and intervention. Initiatives like the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline and Good Arts, Good Mental Health provide valuable resources, but are part of a broader framework needed to address the mental health challenges faced by those in the visual arts.
NAVA continues to advocate for improved mental health support and services tailored to visual artists and arts workers, as well as the need for organisations to adopt good practices that prioritise workplace health and safety. Through policy changes, increased funding, and support for grassroots efforts, it's essential to make the wellbeing of those shaping our cultural landscape a priority.
NAVA Member Guides: Access, Health & Wellbeing
Support Act Wellbeing Helpline: free phone counselling service for anyone working in the arts.
Headspace: online and telephone counselling services for young people 12-25 years.
Beyondblue: wide range of information and resources about mental health, including online forums and a 24-hour phone service.
Black Dog Institute: has practical resources to help you as well as services you can access.
ReachOut: offers practical tools and support to help young people get through everything from everyday issues to tough times.
Lifeline: Provides 24/7 emergency counsellor support
Carla Adams, Little Looks, 2022. Cotton, paracord, glass beads, 155x70cm. Installed at Goolugatup Heathecoate Gallery, Applecross WA. Photo by Daniel Grant.
ID: A colourful tapestry made from cotton, paracord, and glass beads. The artwork features two side profiles, facing each other as if in conversation. The profiles are woven with bright, contrasting colours.
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