Skip photos and go to main content
Violinists performing with Shidá Symphony Orchestra, NTNU.
Photo © Alton Thompson
This flame juggler (identity unknown) was also riding a three-wheeled unicycle with each wheel stacked on top of the other.
Photo © Nancy Paiva
The drummer Ardog performing with Drop Alive.
Photo © Drop Alive
Preston Dugger III in rehearsal, dancing to 'solitude' in the ballet Ella, choreographed by Donald McHale.
Photo © Ross Todd Kerr
Fiddle-player Dave Swarbrick performing with his group Lazarus.
Photo © Bryan Ledgard
We all get great pleasure from watching performing artists. But while we enjoy the glitter, achievement and perfect end result, we don't see the immense physical and psychological demands.
Performing artists are like athletes; they need to be as healthy as possible, and are especially vulnerable to injury and illness. If anything, performers have a greater variety and number of health problems than athletes: disabling muscle damage, hearing difficulties, voice loss, severe stress and anxiety.
Yet sick and injured artists are expected to be detectives, tracking down health practitioners who may understand their needs. And meanwhile they can make their injuries worse, because they dare not stop working or studying while waiting for a specialist NHS referral and cannot afford private health care on annual earnings that rarely reach five figures.
BAPAM is the only organisation in the country delivering the specialist health support all professional and student performing artists need. Our work is, therefore, unique, essential and irreplaceable.
Helping BAPAM is a great way to maintain the excellence of Britain's performing arts, and there are a number of ways you can do this:
- Joining our Friends scheme and becoming a regular supporter
- Making a one-off gift
- Introducing us to potential donors (corporate, individuals, Trusts, etc)
- Remembering us when making a Will
- Becoming one of our health-care practitioners
- Putting on a fundraising event in support of BAPAM
