Joyful Work: Ending Burnout in the Arts

Have you experienced burnout working in the arts? If so, you’re not alone.  But what exactly is burnout? How does it impact on people’s lives and organisations? And why is it so prevalent in the arts? I introduce major research about burnout amongst creative and cultural workers and explore why it’s been described as a silent epidemic.  Useful Stuff  Laura: www.weareculturebloom.com   Laura on Lin...

How can joyful work support curiosity, experimentation and connection? PhD researcher, creative producer, and museum sector leader, Andrea Hadley-Johnson, tells us how she has embedded joyful practice into her work, from experimenting with new ways of working to having team meetings outside in a roof garden. She gives insights into her practice, and talks of the importance of slowing down, focusin...

How can setting values-based boundaries, working authentically, and transparently challenging issues reduce burnout and spark positive change in organisations? Freelance arts consultant, Chris Webb, gives insight into how burnout can be caused by a lack of alignment between an individual’s ethics and the ethics of the organisation they are working for. He tells us how burnout is affecting people w...

Why is rest so important for individual and organisational health; and what does good rest look like?  Cultural and environmental freelancer and consultant and Founder of the Radical Rest Network, Kate Oliver, breaks down reasons why arts workers are exhausted and overworked. She gives practical suggestions for how we can prioritise and give permission for rest - and push back against the pervasiv...

Ending burnout in the arts is possible - but how can we do it?  I take a look at actions we can take to make positive change for arts workers and organisations.  Together, we can create a sector where burnout isn’t the norm, and which doesn’t harm its workers through toxic cultures and overwork. Change will take time, but through small, everyday actions, and compassionate, intentional practice, we...