In this talk Studio Resident Graham MacLeod Johnson speaks about poor wellbeing in the arts and culture sectors, and what we can do about it.
Poor wellbeing in arts and culture sectors is something of an open secret - we laugh together about short contracts, out-of-hours work and perform a collective shrug at the thought of fixing it. It's simple to suggest strategies and tools - textbook techniques for self care, telling each other to set boundaries. But when we exist within a context of a sector that's developed a culture of working 'til we drop, it takes more than a nice bath to help.
When our ways of working are responding to inflexible funding practices and a political context that pressures us to deliver more for less with every passing year, we need to acknowledge the landscape we're working in if we want to look after each other. In this talk Graham Johnson explores how we can acknowledge we all bring different baggage to a landscape we may not be in a position to change.
Graham MacLeod Johnson is a Bristol based producer specialising in wellbeing, access and talent development. Currently they are delivering Tobacco Factory Theatre's BLUEPRINT Producer Training Programme, are an Online Producer at Visual Arts South West and their Radical Wellbeing consultancy. Graham is on the board of The Bristol Improv Theatre and has previously worked on Kid Carpet's Epic Fail and Noisy TV, Trigger's The Hatchling and more. He is occasionally an illustrator, sometimes known as Mr G Johnson.
Open Studio Fridays
From 10:00 - 17:00 you can stay at the Studio for Open Studio Fridays - join us to continue the conversation or work on your own projects. The Studio provides chairs, tables, wireless and a great space. You bring what you need to work with (laptop/mobile). Tell us what you’re up to, or allow us to facilitate conversations within the resident community. Studio staff and residents will be around to chat, answer questions, or tell you more about what we do. The open afternoons close at 17:00, sometimes with a trip to the Café & Bar.
Where to find us
The Lunchtime Talks take place in the Pervasive Media Studio, which is in the Watershed building. The Studio is just beyond the Café & Bar, turn right and then go down the corridor to your left (where the toilets are). The double doors here will be open, go all the way down until you reach the Studio. A member of staff will sign you in, and check your ticket, if you have booked.