Our Mission

BAPAM is a clinically-led charity, delivering expert health and wellbeing services for those working in the performing arts

While a creative career can be immensely rewarding, it also brings specific challenges, and research shows that 75% of those working in the performing arts will face a career-impacting physical or psychological health problem at some point.

The breadth of health challenges encountered throughout performing arts careers ranges from mental health, musculoskeletal and vocal health to hearing concerns, while common issues such as eyesight and dental health can cause specific problems when performing.

BAPAM (the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) is the largest provider of clinical services to the UK’s entire performing arts sector, supporting industry professionals and students, from musicians and singers to dancers, actors, and circus performers as well as those who work behind the scenes. We ensure they receive the best possible information and training to prevent poor health as well as specialist care when things go wrong, to support healthy careers and aid recovery from illness or injury.

Since its establishment in 1984, BAPAM has helped thousands of artists and creators each year to enjoy a healthy career, and works with organisations and initiatives such as Help Musicians, PRS Members’ Fund, PPL, Royal Society of Musicians, Healthy Conservatoires, Equity, the Musicians’ Union, Dance Professionals Fund, Actors’ Benevolent Fund and Royal Variety Charity to extend its reach into all parts of the performing arts sector.

partnership

We are the clinical partner to the creative industry, working with educators, unions, businesses, and support organisations, including those commissioning or providing healthcare services, to advise on best practice

education

We deliver evidence-informed healthy practice training to professionals and students in the performing arts, sharing essential knowledge for sustainable, lifelong creative practice 

research

BAPAM partners with academic institutions and medical researchers to develop evidence-informed understanding of health in the performing arts and drive effective clinical practice