Australian Society For Performing Arts Healthcare

The performing arts are a key part of the cultural, financial and daytoday life of Australia and Australians. We recognise that the health of the performing artist and the quality of their art are inextricably linked. At the same time we understand that the still culturally embedded perspective that artists may need to suffer for their art means that, often, wellbeing and artistry are treated as if they are unrelated. This challenge to the wellbeing of performers is amplified because making a living remains challenging for many performing arts organisations and most performing artists. These challenges and pressures can leave little room for health and wellbeing in the daytoday life of performing artists, while the healthcare system in Australia remains largely ignorant of the unique health needs of these performers. In its broadest sense, then, ASPAH works to change this culture so that the health and wellbeing of performing artists is treated with the same importance as their craft; not just for the sake of the artists themselves but also for the richness their health supported performances bring to us all.