Mental Health

​​Mental Health

A little while back, inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Arts Board created an Arts and We​llness resource list to provide resources highlighting the connection between art and healthy minds. We've also explored the topic of Social Rx, an innovative and evidence-based practice in both the United States and across the globe where health providers prescribe arts, cultural, and nature activities free-of-cost for patients in community settings to holistically address an individual’s specific health issues and unmet needs such as poor mental health, substance misuse, chronic disease, and social isolation.​ 

The arts are an absolutely essential component of wellness, yet, that doesn't mean artists themselves ​shouldn't dedicate time to their own physical and mental wellness. All Creative Copy topics come from feedback in the field, from conversations in communities, and from underserved needs called out by arts organizations, artists, and our entire constituency. So, we are taking time this week to create a space focused on mental health for artists - what it means, how artists and arts professionals can prioritize mental health, and what mental health resources are available in Wisconsin for artists and arts professionals.

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Local Resources

NAMI Wisconsin: the state office of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization providing advocacy, education, support, and public awareness.

Dane County Department of Human Services: offers and funds a wide variety of services to meet the needs of individuals that experience challenges related to mental health and substance use disorders.

** Check if your county has a Department of Human Services **

Healthy MKE: offers resources to help community members and providers find and access behavioral health and substance use services in Milwaukee County. 

Black Space: a community organization that provides free group therapeutic experiences for Black and Brown communities in beautiful and safe spaces (like the Milwaukee Art Museum).

Healthy Minds Program​: Created by a UW professor, the program uses neuroscience, contemplative traditions, and skill-based learning methods to help you develop the skills for a healthy mind in the palm of your hand.

National/International Resources

Backline: a 501(c)(3) non-profit that connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources.

Creatives Care​: a community of artists, providers, and supporters securing the future of the arts by providing free services to help artists access affordable, high-quality mental healthcare.

Creative Capital: invests in experimental, adventurous work grappling with urgent issues, including: life on land, artificial intelligence, mass incarceration, civil rights, and mental health.

Entertainment Community Fund: any performing arts or entertainment professional may call on their Mental Health services for support, information or referrals to community agencies.

IndieSpace​: celebrates and centers independent theater-making in New York City, but has a lot of great resource guides for theatre professionals.

Mental Health and Collective Health Resources for AANHPI Theater Artists: ​A guide created for our community: a collection of grants, directories, therapists, healing spaces, and podcasts that center the mental and collective health needs of AANHPI indie theater artists.​

Mental Health and Collective Health Resources for Indigenous Peoples Theater Artists: A guide created for our community: a collection of grants, directories, therapists, healing spaces, and podcasts that center the mental and collective health needs of Indigenous Peoples indie theater artists.

Mental Health and Collective Health Resources for Immigrant Theater Artists: A guide created for our community: a collection of grants, directories, therapists, healing spaces, and podcasts that center the mental and collective health needs of immigrant indie theater artists.

Mental Health and Collective Health Resources for Disabled Theater Artists: A guide created for our community: a collection of grants, directories, therapists, healing spaces, and podcasts that center the mental and collective health needs of Disabled indie theater artists.​​

Mental Health and Collective Health Resources for Black Theater Artists: A guide created for our community: a collection of grants, directories, therapists, healing spaces, and podcasts that center the mental health needs of Black indie theater artists.​