NEWS
Today, an ambitious research-based study on the mental health and well-being of musicians and music makers in Denmark has been launched. The study aims to identify solutions and initiatives that can improve well-being in an industry known for its challenging working conditions, which can have fatal consequences. The study is being conducted by an experienced research team from the University of Westminster, commissioned by the Music Industry Partnership for Sustainable Development.
In recent years, a number of musicians and music makers have publicly come forward and shared their struggles in the music industry. Well-documented challenges include atypical and long working hours, income-related issues, widespread use of substances, anxiety, depression, and stress. International research also reveals that musicians and music makers are up to three times more susceptible to anxiety and depression disorders compared to the general population.
With this, the Partnership for Sustainable Development in Music is launching an ambitious research-based study on the mental health and well-being of Danish musicians and music makers. The study has a dual purpose: Firstly, it aims to establish a solid and representative data foundation to shed light on the mental health among musicians and music makers in the Danish music industry. Additionally, the study will identify measures to promote and improve mental health and well-being in the music industry.
“The conversation is new in Denmark. While sports are far ahead of us in terms of addressing these issues within the cultural sphere, it is crucial for us to join in and establish a language for the challenges we know exist. What is work-related? How do differences manifest among more established and less established artists, and so on?” says Sara Indrio, who is a member of the partnership’s steering committee. Sara adds “That being said, the purpose of the study is also to identify actions and solutions.”
The contributions of creative and performing musicians are central
The first step of the study is a survey designed for all musicians and music makers in Denmark, with the aim of mapping the factors that impact musicians’ mental health. This survey serves as the cornerstone of the broader study, which also includes in-depth interviews with musicians and music makers in the Danish music scene.
“The study is about the creative and performing musicians, and it is their conditions that we have an ambition to improve. Therefore, it is crucial that as many musicians as possible share their experiences. The more people who fill out the survey, the more relevant solutions we can create,” says Sara Indrio.
The study is done by renowned researchers
The study is being conducted in collaboration with the University of Westminster in London, and the two renowned researchers, Dr. George Musgrave and Sally Anne Gross, who have both academic backgrounds and professional experience in the music industry. Dr. George Musgrave and Sally Anne Gross have been researching musicians’ mental health for several years and are excited to explore the studies in a Danish context.
“We are so excited to continue our research agenda in such a unique cultural setting like Denmark. We hope to build on the fantastic work already being done in this area to drive forward new ways of thinking about the relationship between mental health and working as musician, and how to best support the wellbeing of artists given the crucial role music plays in so many of our lives” Dr. George Musgrave and Sally Anne Gross say.
