AAM & Support Act team up for artist manager wellbeing program

Australia’s peak body for artist managers has joined forces with key local music charity Support Act to announce Gimme Shelter 2020/21.

The Association of Artist Managers (AAM) unites the Australian music industry’s managers, helping to develop, protect and promote the reputation and interests of music managers.

Together with Support Act, long-known for championing mental health services for artists, crew and music workers, AAM has launched a new early intervention mental health program.

Gimme Shelter will be delivered with assistance from Support Act and the Australian Government, with a goal to build workplace skills, resilience and mental health and wellbeing.

The launch of this nation-wide wellbeing program follows a successful pilot version by Creative Victoria in 2019 which was attended in-person by thirteen managers.

Gimme Shelter 2020 will instead be delivered online, but in doing so will increase significantly in availability and scope.

Organisers say it will be made available to over 190 artist managers nationwide, who represent over 800 artists among them.

“The devastating loss of income and future income uncertainty for artist managers and their artists may lead to further and ongoing mental health issues.

“Gimme Shelter will provide a proactive and preventative approach, contributing positively to the music eco-system with real and comprehensive outcomes.”

The online Gimme Shelter 2020/21 program will roll out as follows:

1. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): gaining a 3 year accreditation facilitated by Rumpus
2. Creative health and resilience with Psychologist Dr Chris Stevens
3. Conflict resolution and management training with Reboot Resolve
4. Wellness and mindfulness with AccessEAP

“We have been excited by the potential for this program to positively impact the mental health and wellbeing of artist managers and their artists since reading the evaluation of the pilot from last year,” adds Support Act CEO Clive Miller.

“The rollout of this online program, and its ability to train up to 70% of AAM’s membership promises to be a real game-changer when it comes to how mental health and well-being are perceived and managed in the music community.”

Registrations will open to all AAM members from June 15, and managers of all levels are encouraged to become a member.