Radical Wellbeing
The arts are uniquely geared towards burnout
Between professional cultures, the burning passion we feel for our work and the inescapable gig economy, we’re in a tough spot. And it’s only getting worse, as we deal with the stresses a global pandemic has put on our industry and our personal lives.
I believe it’s important to take these issues at face value - these aren’t personal problems we can fix with some nice tea. The problems in our industry run deep, and represent years of policy and structural indifference.
I’ve experienced poor wellbeing in the arts first hand and researched burnout academically, both of which have informed my approach to these workshops.
I want to make a space where organisations can acknowledge the problems they face and pledge to make change, while individuals in the sector can work together to plan their survival.
The system is broken. let’s fix it.
Watch ‘Making Wellbeing Radical’ below - delivered at Pervasive Media Studio, Bristol, as part of their Lunchtime Talks programme on 30/09/2022
Working with me as an organisation
By working with me you are agreeing:
That change is possible
That the status quo no longer serves you or your organisation
To listen, learn and take action
To be honest and transparent
That you might find out some difficult things in doing this work
To design a world that puts people before process
That this may take time and commitment
You’re agreeing that the system is broken, so let’s fix it.
“Graham’s workshop was relaxed, accessible and insightful. He was really good at putting us at ease and facilitated some very important conversations that put everyone in the organisation on an equal footing. If you want to engage with wellbeing in a meaningful and realistic way I would heartily recommend booking a session with Graham.”
Working with me as an individual
By working with me you are agreeing:
That change is possible
That the wellbeing crisis in the arts isn’t your fault
That I won’t give you all the answers, but we’ll find them together
That we’re stronger together
That this isn’t therapy, but it is a space you can be vulnerable
To be honest and transparent
To listen, learn and take action
You’re agreeing that the system is broken, so let’s fix it. Together.
“I gained a lot from it, I’ve felt inspired to change the structure of my pitches to include my own self care needs and leaving it opened ended for the people I am applying to. I really appreciate being a part of it, thank you.”
What’s involved?
My workshops contain a blend of lecture, improv exercises, discussion, group thinking and teaching survival tools. I work hard to hold a space that allows vulnerability, where complex issues can be explored safely.
My work integrates my live illustration practice, creating a visual record of the session. This is something all participants will have a hand in creating, with their thoughts represented.
A session with me might cover any of the following:
Passionate work
Imposter Syndrome
FOMO
Precarity
Emotional work
Wellbeing policy creation
Industry pressures
Individual needs
Care statement creation
Resources:
I believe it is important to be informed about the causes of burnout and poor workplace wellbeing so it can be avoided - I have created resources based on my research that can be found below.
