As we mark our 40th anniversary in 2024, the need for dedicated health support in the performing arts is greater than ever.
We are thrilled to be celebrating BAPAM’s 40th anniversary in 2024. When the British Performing Arts Medicine Trust was founded in 1984 the vision was for doctors and health experts to work together with artists, researchers and educators to build a comprehensive clinical service for everyone working in the performing arts.
We have built on this vision over 40 years thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of our clinicians, team, partner organisations, patrons, supporters, and the vibrant creative community we love to be a part of. It is with enormous gratitude that we mark our anniversary with you all this year.
Claire Cordeaux, BAPAM CEO
Peter Leathem OBE, BAPAM Chair
In the last ten years, the number of people helped yearly by BAPAM has grown approximately fourfold to almost 3000 in 2023. Last year we responded to 3,169 clinical enquiries, delivered 2,598 free consultations and assessments, and conducted 7,235 psychotherapy sessions with partners including Music Minds Matter, Equity and Dance Professionals Fund.
Picking up on the story in March were publications including The Times, Music Week, The Stage, Classical Music, BBC Music Magazine, Arts Professional, and international outlets Radio Classique (France) and Promoción Musical (Spain).
The Times: Playing in an orchestra ‘helps performers recover mental health’ (thetimes.co.uk)
Music Week: BAPAM reports 86% increase in demand for health support for performing arts sector | Talent | Music Week
The Stage: Mental health fears as charity reports more than threefold surge in demand (thestage.co.uk)
Classical Music: BAPAM reports almost 400% increase in mental health cases since pandemic | Classical Music (classical-music.uk)
BBC Music Magazine: New research shows surge in mental illness among musicians (classical-music.com)
Arts Professional: Rising number of performers seeking mental health support | News | ArtsProfessional
Radio Classique: La santé mentale des musiciens britanniques s’est fortement dégradée en 5 ans (radioclassique.fr)
Promoción Musical: Los Casos de Salud Mental en las Artes Escénicas se han Cuadruplicado Desde el COVID-19. (promocionmusical.es)