Occupational wellbeing for artists

The Arts Promotion Centre Finland (Taike) sent a questionnaire to artist associations during the Covid-19 pandemic, which was severely impacting the arts sector at the time.

Taike together with the Finnish Supervisors’ Association (Suomen työnohjaajat ry) organised a webinar for work supervisors to discuss the special issues concerning the work of artists, as well as to select five work supervisors for the pilot project.

The webinar “You are not alone – Approaches to the occupational wellbeing of artists” (Et ole yksin – Eväitä taiteilijoiden työhyvinvointiin) was held in March.

You are not alone – Approaches to the occupational wellbeing of artists, 29.3.2022

Specialist Heli Ansio, Institute of Occupational Health: You are not alone

Occupational psychologist Marjukka Laurola: Personal mental state and how to influence it in the work of an artist

The five work supervisors selected for the pilot project provided group supervision for artists working in different fields of the arts in five locations: Hämeenlinna, Kuopio, Oulu, Jyväskylä and Rovaniemi. The groups convened five times, both remotely and in person.

The webinar “Wellbeing for freelance artists – Methods and opportunities” (Hyvinvointia freelancer-taiteilijoille – Menetelmiä ja mahdollisuuksia) was held in September together with the “Music and Media” event.

Wellbeing for freelance artists – Methods and opportunities, 28.9.2022

Coach and musician, PhD Eija Mäkirintala

The results of the group work guidance were evaluated by interviewing the work supervisors who participated in the pilot project and by sending a questionnaire about the pilot to the participating artists and work supervisors. The responses highlighted the needs of artists for long-term psychosocial support and wishes for a permanent operating model that would take into account the unique characteristics and stress factors of artistic work. Within the supervision groups, artists felt it was important to get peer support and find solutions that support their everyday wellbeing. Many artists also hoped to receive training and guidance on occupational wellbeing issues in connection with supervision. The artists considered the familiarity of the supervisors with the arts sector and artistic work to be significant.