Prime Highlights:
- UK arts organisations are rejecting the “tortured artist” myth and providing mental health support so performers can work safely and creatively.
- Experts say therapeutic support helps artists use their experiences in a healthy way, improving their work without harming themselves.
Key Facts:
- A recent survey found that 84% of UK actors experience work-related stress or anxiety, with one in four considering leaving the industry.
- Organisations like Artist Wellbeing and the Actors’ Trust now offer counselling and wellbeing support for performers dealing with emotionally challenging material.
Background:
Across the UK, arts organisations are challenging the old idea of the “tortured artist” and are offering mental health support so performers can work safely and do their best. From opera and theatre to film and television, a growing number of cultural institutions are recognising that artistic brilliance does not require personal suffering.
“Artists don’t need help because they’re weak; they need it because they’re strong,” said Annilese Miskimmon, artistic director at English National Opera. Miskimmon recently collaborated with Artist Wellbeing, a mental health support organisation, while directing the emotionally intense production of Dead Man Walking. The play deals with the rape and murder of two teenagers and the subsequent state-sanctioned execution of the perpetrator, requiring performers to repeatedly engage with highly traumatic material.
“The support was available confidentially, both during rehearsals and for two weeks after the show,” Miskimmon explained. “Providing this care ensured that our performers could give their best without being harmed emotionally, which in turn made the production more powerful.”
Mental health support is increasingly becoming standard practice. The Actors’ Trust, in partnership with the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine, offers services for artists experiencing stress and burnout linked to emotionally challenging work. Meanwhile, research highlights the need for such support: a recent Film and TV Charity survey found that 84% of UK actors experience work-related stress or anxiety, with one in four considering leaving the profession as a result.
Lou Platt, founder of Artist Wellbeing, said creativity doesn’t have to come from suffering. “Many artists think trauma is needed to be authentic, but that’s not true,” Platt explained. “With the right support, performers can use their experiences in a healthy way and make better work without being harmed.”
Playwright Sophia Griffin agreed, saying that working with wellbeing experts has helped her overcome writer’s block and create more honest, emotional work.
With more awareness, the UK arts sector is learning that good mental health and great art can go together. Artists don’t need to suffer to create outstanding work.
