The New Avant Garde: Arts Organizations supporting artists with mental illness

Mental illness affects artists and arts organizations in way that is detrimental to the production and presentation of art and the well-being of artists. The research conducted was meant to better understand the background of artists in relation to mental illness and current supportive practices of arts organizations. In this study one-on-one interviews were conducted with directors of various arts organizations. Previous research on the topic of correlation of creativity and mental illness has proven inconclusive and has not yielded novel direction in methods of treatment for artists with mental illness. The best course is to seek supportive policies and actions that arts organizations can effectively provide to artists who are living with mental illness. Artists who have had interventions in mental health issues are able to live productive and creative lives. The interviews conducted for this paper show that while arts organizations are empathetic and aware of artists with mental illness there remains stigma and trepidation when asked to discuss the subject matter. Through existing research and this study, it has been determined that arts organizations have a role to play in developing and understanding best practices when working with artists who suffer from mental illness. Preventative measures are important during the education of young artists along with the implementation of employee benefits that include ensuring proper mental health insurance coverage, stress reduction and Employee Assistance Programs. Arts organizations also bear the responsibility to understand the federal disabilities laws, community resource connections to support agencies, and pursue open dialog with artists.M.S., Arts Administration -- Drexel University, 201