This virtual workshop was presented by Ontario Presents on Nov 25, 2024 as part of the Slow Touring Project. It was made possible thanks to support from the Canada Council for the Arts.
Speakers
Veronica Johnny (opening welcome)
Indigi-Queer Multi-Disciplinary Artist, Residential School Survivor & Knowledge Keeper
Music: www.thejohnnys.com
Education & speaking: @IndigenEd
Labour in the Arts
Emily Jung and Jason Li
labourinthearts.com
www.instagram.com/labourinthearts/
Balancing Act Canada
Susie Burpee
Website: balancingactcanada.com
Resources and project examples - look in Resources
Arts Wellbeing Collective
Jim Rimmer
Website: artswellbeingcollective.com.au
Resources: artswellbeingcollective.com.au/allresources/
Workshop Highlights
The speakers at this workshop emphasized the necessity of a tailored approach rather than a uniform method when it comes to creating a truly empathetic workplace.
Emily Jung and Jason Li from Labour in the Arts shared insights from their research, which included interviews with arts professionals across Canada. They noted a recurring theme: individuals often experience burnout or leave their positions when they do not see a potential for improvement in their work environment. For example, employees might tolerate lower pay, but only if there is a clear pathway to advancement or if the organization demonstrates a commitment to advocating for their well-being. Emily and Jason shared that there is no single definition of an “empathetic workplace” and that instead, each person and each workplace may be looking for something different. See below for a helpful list of prompts to consider what an empathetic workplace means to you.
Susie Burpee introduced resources from Balancing Act Canada, showcasing various concrete examples of how organizations can support parents and caregivers in the arts. These examples ranged from simple documents containing helpful information for touring caregivers to more substantive initiatives, such as providing childcare during matinee performances, establishing care funds for emergencies, and implementing a 5-day rehearsal schedule instead of a 6-day one.
Jim Rimmer presented insights from the Arts Wellbeing Collective at Arts Centre Melbourne, bringing up concerning statistics about mental health issues in Australia, specifically within the music and creative industries. His presentation underscored the disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges in our sector, including anxiety and substance use disorders, highlighting findings from Support Act's survey. Rimmer proposed a five-stage scale to evaluate how well a company addresses mental health, ranging from harmful environments to those that are generative. He shared the many resources available on the Arts Wellbeing Collective website, including guides for supporting mental health while on tour.
The discussions led to the critical question of whether Canadian workplaces have an obligation to provide a psychologically safe working environment, underscoring the importance of ongoing commitment to mental health and employee well-being in the workplace.
List of prompts from Labour in the Arts
Is it an Empathetic workplace…
- If it really respects your work life balance?
- If you have access to a breakroom?
- If their work is grounded in social justice?
- If everyone at work cries when they see a puppy?
- If nobody ever gets laid off?
- If it pays a liveable wage?
- If you can submit things late?
- If you are working on what you love?
- If pets are allowed in the office?
- If it provides a health and dental plan plus work phone?
If your boss writes you a 2-page double sided thank you letter after each project?
Resources that were mentioned:
- CHRC’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)
- Touring resources for Asia (focus countries are Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam)
- Example documents from MT Space and Savage Society’s Balancing Act project Creating a “Promise to Care” document with a related Care Fund and an Artist Safety Plan document to proactively support potential mental health challenges
- Wind in the Leaves Collective (who are working on building an IBPOC touring network)
- Future Skills Centre - research and skills development related to the changing labour market
- Generator - incubator for independent artists and producers in Toronto
Mental health resources for Canada
In Canada, there are several helplines providing support for mental health and crisis intervention. Here are some important resources:
- Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566
Available 24/7 for anyone in crisis or having thoughts of suicide. - Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
A 24/7 service offering support and advice for youth. - Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-866-531-2600
For anyone needing mental health support, available 24/7. - Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): Various regional branches provide support. Visit their website to find local services.
- Distress Centre of Toronto: 416-408-4357 or 1-866-863-0511
Offers 24/7 support for those in crisis.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, please reach out to one of these resources.