The Arts Council has launched a new three-year investment programme aimed at improving the mental health of artists and arts participants.
This follows recent research by the council which found that artists suffer particularly poor mental health when compared to the rest of society.
It also found that artists have seen an 11% decline in real income over the last decade.
The programme will provide training, support and funding to artists for the improvement of their own well-being and for those working in the field of mental health.
Funding for community arts programmes for vulnerable groups will also be available to artists and specialist organisations.
The programme is being funded through an investment from the National Lottery and the Baring Foundation and follows the launch of the council’s 10-year plan.
Chief executive of the Arts Council, Roisín McDonough, said that it had become clear that this intervention was essential.
She added that in order promote mental health through the arts, artists need to be supported and well-equipped to deliver these benefits effectively.
“Some of our best creative talent, such as our theatre companies, musicians and visual artists, are already engaged with local communities and healthcare organisations, delivering a wide range of programmes for vulnerable groups,” said Ms McDonough.
“Through this new Mental Health and Arts Programme, we can look forward to growing that work over the next three years, building not only a more resilient sector.”
Inspire Wellbeing, will be leading on the first round of training workshops for artists this summer.
