Support Act, in conjunction with the Centre for Social Impact Swinburne, has today launched its first ever Mental Health and Wellbeing in Music and Live Performing Arts survey. 

The aim of the survey is to provide an updated picture of the mental health and wellbeing of people working in music and live performing arts in Australia, the factors that are impacting people’s work and lives (such as COVID-19), and the kinds of supports or services that are making a difference or may be needed.

The survey is open to anyone who works in music or the live performing arts, including musicians, songwriters, live production crew as well as managers, producers and live performing artists.

Clive Miller, CEO of Support Act explains: “Our attitudes toward mental health and wellbeing have changed dramatically in the past few years, as have the number of people who have accessed Support Act’s Crisis Relief Grants, Helpline and mental health prevention, education and training programs. 

“As we start to plan for a future where good mental health and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do, we realised there was an urgent need to gather updated evidence about the current state of play, what supports are helpful, and what other supports may be needed.

“We very much hope that everyone with an interest in this area can take 15-30 minutes out of their busy schedules to complete this anonymous survey and share their vitally important views with us.”

Dr Aurora Elmes from the Centre for Social Impact Swinburne, adds: “The new evidence generated through this research has the potential to inform the music and live performing arts sector about mental health risk factors that may need further attention, and what is needed to better support the mental health and wellbeing of people working in music and live performing arts.”

The online survey is open now until Thursday 7 April. The survey findings will be announced at Support Act’s Head First conference discussing mental health and wellbeing for the music industry on Wednesday 25 May. A summary of the results will also be made publicly available on the Support Act website.

For further information on the survey and to take part, visit supportact.org.au/mental-health-survey/