A frank series of discussions about mental health in the music industry to take place around the country

Musicians around Australia will have the opportunity to engage in frank discussions about mental health thanks to a just announced series Music and the Mind: Panels on Mental Health, which will tour the country throughout May and June 2017.

The events, presented by the Australasian Performing Right Association (ARPA AMCOS) and Support Act, will open up discussions about mental health and provide artists and mental health professionals with a chance to address key issues in the music community.

Research conducted by Entertainment Assist (2014) reveals that 25% of performing artists have attempted or considered suicide, while more than one third of performing artists and 25% of industry support workers reported mental health problems. The study shows that musicians find it difficult to uphold their mental health and seek support when needed. Minimum wage, unreliable work, bullying, and stress are some of the contributing factors to anxiety and depression amongst musicians.

Musicians’ mental health made headlines in late 2016—from Kanye West cancelling his Saint Pablo tour and being hospitalised to Zayn Malik and Selena Gomez speaking out about anxiety and depression, and of course the devastating news of the passing of Chris Cornell just last week. Thus, the upcoming Music and the Mind events will also demonstrate one of the ways in which the music industry can support artists in 2017.

Panels will feature Wil Wagner from The Smith Street Band and Hayley Mary from The Jezabels alongside a range of psychologists, GP’s, songwriters, and Support Act representatives. Panelists, in collaboration with the music community, will discuss how to identify mental illness, how to maintain a healthy and creative mind, and the relevant support systems that are available.

All events are free via RSVP for APRA AMCOS members, and open to songwriters who would like to learn more about joining APRA AMCOS, with further details below:

VICTORIA
Tuesday 23 May, 6pm
Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne
Speakers: Catherine Haridy (Support Act), Dr Margaret Osborne (psychologist), Dr Matthew Long (GP), Wil Wagner (The Smith Street Band)
RSVP to [email protected]

NEW SOUTH WALES
Wednesday 24 May, 6.30pm
Camelot Lounge, Sydney
Speakers: Joanna Cave (Support Act), Dr Chris Stevens (psychologist), Hayley Mary (The Jezabels)
RSVP to [email protected]

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Tuesday 30 May, 6pm
The Jade, Adelaide
Speakers: Sally Howland (Support Act), Denni Meredith (psychologist), Dr Jessica Vandekamp (GP), Heather Frahn (artist)
RSVP to [email protected]

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Tuesday 6 June, 6pm
Babushka, Perth
Speakers: Catherine Haridy (Support Act), Duane Smith (psychologist) and more to be announced
RSVP to [email protected]

QUEENSLAND
Monday 19 June, 6pm
APRA AMCOS office, Brisbane
Speakers: Sally Howland (Support Act), Lisa Kunde (psychologist), Jackie Marshall (artist)
RSVP to [email protected]

NORTHERN TERRITORY
Monday 29 June, 6pm
Darwin Railway Club, Darwin
Speakers: Joanna Cave (Support Act), Henry Kwiatkowski (psychologist), Mark Grose (artist manager), Liam Devine (artist) and Sandra Thibodeaux (playwright and poet)
RSVP to [email protected]

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