Mental Health in the Arts

Somewhere between dwindling budgets, tight deadlines and back-to-back projects, the “feel-good feeling” that draws so many into creative work often fades. Burnout is widespread. Support is often scarce. And across the arts, there’s still an expectation to keep going, no matter the cost.

Aimee Davies knows this reality well. After years working in the music and creative sectors, she founded Hey Mate, a social enterprise offering mental health support tailored to the realities of arts work. Combining clinical care with lived experience, Hey Mate provides counselling, workplace programs and on-the-ground support at live events through its Live Event Wellbeing Program.

In this conversation, Aimee reflects on why mental health in the arts is still overlooked, what needs to change, and how care can become part of the culture, rather than just a crisis response.

What led you to create Hey Mate, and what gap were you seeing in the creative industries? 

Hey Mate was born from my experience working across both the creative and health sectors. I kept seeing incredibly talented people burning out or leaving the industry altogether because there wasn’t adequate, accessible mental health support tailored to their realities. The creative industries are unique, combining irregular work, financial precarity, emotional labour, and cultural pressures, yet, most services weren’t designed with these challenges in mind. I wanted to create a space where creatives felt understood, supported, and equipped to thrive, not just survive.

How does Hey Mate’s approach differ from general mental health services?

We integrate clinical expertise with lived industry experience. Our practitioners don’t just “get” mental health, they also understand the unique pressures of production schedules, touring, grant cycles, and the emotional demands of creative work. This dual perspective helps us provide support that feels safe, relevant, and immediately useful, whether through counselling, workshops, or workplace wellbeing programs.

Why is industry-specific support so important for creative workers?

Creatives often work in environments that are high-pressure, under-resourced, and deeply personal. The work is tied to identity, which can make feedback, rejection, and instability hit harder. Having support that speaks the same language, understands these dynamics, and respects the non-linear, precarious nature of creative careers is crucial. It helps people feel seen and reduces the barriers to seeking help.

Can you tell us about the LEWP initiative and what it’s aiming to change?

The Live Event Wellbeing Program (LEWP) takes inspiration from Lewis Capaldi’s Live initiative and brings trained mental health practitioners into live music events. Our goal is to make festivals and gigs safer and more supportive for both artists and audiences providing on-the-ground wellbeing spaces, debriefing for crews, and practical resources. It’s about shifting the culture of live events toward care and sustainability.

What are some of the biggest mental health challenges you see in music and the arts right now? 

Burnout is huge, driven by financial insecurity, overwork, and the emotional weight of the job. Isolation is another, especially for freelancers and regional creatives. We’re also seeing the impacts of sustained precarity post-COVID, with many people juggling multiple roles just to make ends meet. These challenges compound existing stigma around help seeking, making it harder for people to access the support they need.

What role do venues, festivals, and companies play in improving mental health outcomes?

They play a massive role. Culture starts at the top, and when organisations prioritise wellbeing from providing mental health support to ensuring fair pay and reasonable work hours, it ripples through the industry. Venues and festivals are also key touchpoints for connecting artists and workers to resources, normalising conversations about mental health, and modelling safer practices.

What are some small, practical ways artists can take care of their mental health day to day?

Honestly, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Little things done consistently can make a big difference.

• Take micro-breaks. Even five minutes between rehearsals or editing sessions to step outside, stretch, or just breathe can do wonders for your nervous system.

   

• Separate yourself from your work. Your art is a huge part of who you are, but it isn’t all of you. Having hobbies or rituals that aren’t about “producing” something helps you stay grounded.

   

• Stay connected. Creative work can get isolating, so schedule regular catch-ups with friends, peers, or mentors. Those conversations can be a lifeline.

   

• Practice saying no. Set “compassionate boundaries.” It’s okay to protect your time and energy in fact, it’s essential if you want to keep creating long term.

   

• Use your supports early. Whether it’s journaling, therapy, peer support, or just going for a walk, don’t wait until you’re at breaking point to take care of yourself.

   

It’s really about building small, doable habits that make looking after yourself part of the creative process.

What’s your vision for a healthier, more supportive creative industry?

I want to see an industry where wellbeing is embedded in every level. From grant structures that value care, to venues that provide support for artists and crews, to workplaces that treat mental health as core to sustainability. A creative sector that nurtures its people ultimately produces better, braver, and more impactful work.

How can individuals in the arts access Hey Mate’s services or get involved?

Creatives can access our counselling, workshops, and workplace support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) partnerships or by reaching out directly. We also run events, training, and resources for individuals and organisations. Anyone interested can visit www.theheymateproject.com or connect with us on socials to stay in the loop.

 → Visit heymate.org.au

→ Follow @heymateproject

→ Share this with a mate in the arts who might need it.

More Support

Support Act (1800 959 500)

A free, confidential 24/7 helpline staffed by qualified counsellors, offering up to 12 sessions of support for anyone working in the Australian music or creative industries.

Arts Wellbeing Collective 

A free, evidence‑based initiative founded by Arts Centre Melbourne in 2017 that partnered with the performing arts sector to co‑design practical tools, training and resources to foster mentally healthy workplaces and support throughout the industry. Now closed, but the Arts Wellbeing Collective resources are still live and accessible.

13 YARN (13 92 76)

Australia’s first national, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander‑led crisis support line, providing culturally safe, confidential “yarning” chats with trained mob, available 24/7.

Lifeline (13 11 14)

A nationwide 24/7 phone and online crisis support service offering immediate assistance and counselling to anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

Beyond Blue (1300 224 363)

Provides free, confidential, 24/7 phone and online support for anyone experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness or general mental health concerns.

NewAccess (1300 945 301)

A free, confidential, six-session mental health coaching program using low‑intensity CBT to support small business owners and sole traders in managing stress and improving wellbeing.

Platform is an interview series by ArtSupport Australia, where founder Sophia D'Urso chats to great people doing important, innovative, and impactful work in the arts. From independent artists to cultural leaders and creative entrepreneurs, these conversations spotlight those shaping a stronger, more sustainable arts sector.