‘Startling Findings’ Uncovered In Music Industry Wellbeing Survey

Music charity Support Act has released the results of its first-ever industry mental health and wellbeing survey, revealing what it describes as “startling findings”.

The findings of the March and April survey, which included input from more than 1,300 people around the country who work professionally in the music and live performing arts industries, were unveiled this morning during the inaugural Head First conference in Sydney.

Some of the key findings are a “stark wake-up call for the sector”:

• 66% of participants had high/very high levels of psychological distress, more than 4 x general population.
• 59% had experienced suicidal thoughts, 4.5 x the proportion of the general Australian population.
• 35% reported a current mental health condition, which is 1.7 x the proportion estimated in the general Australian population.
• 29% reported having a current anxiety condition and 27% reported currently having depression, both more than 2 x that of the general population.
• Over ⅓ of reported incomes from their work in music/live performing arts as less than $30,000 per annum, which is below the poverty line.

“This research indicates that people in music and live performing arts continue to face job insecurity and work environments that can be unsafe for physical or mental health,” Dr Aurora Elmes, Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Impact Swinburne, said.

“On top of existing issues with working conditions, it reveals the ongoing effects of added stressors arising from the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s work, income, social connectedness and mental health.

“Participants in this research identified a need for further financial and mental health support for people working in music and live performing arts, as well a need for broader change within the sector and government support to enable this.

“People want to see action towards improved working conditions and work environments that are safe for everyone’s mental and physical health – including addressing identified issues such as ageism, racism, bullying and sexual harassment.”

Support Act CEO Clive Miller added: “We all know how difficult the past few years have been, but these startling statistics reinforce once again the many and varied challenges that music and arts workers face in pursuing their chosen careers.

“They also highlight the urgent need to continue to support the mental health and wellbeing of music and arts workers through access to industry-specific psychological services, as well as evidence-based prevention, education and training programs, such as the ones that Support Act provides.

“We hope that governments, industry and music lovers across Australia will continue to support our efforts to help create more mentally healthy workplaces that prioritise psychological safety and wellbeing and that will, in time, see a turn around in these shocking rates of mental ill health.”

You can read the full survey results here.

If you are suffering from any of the issues that have been discussed or need assistance, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.