Performing Anxiety

How do artists navigate the complex terrain of mental health within their creative work? Performing Anxiety, from the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, explores this very question, moving beyond theory to share grounded conversations from the field. This podcast serves as a vital collection of good practice, offering insights for anyone-artists, facilitators, or organisers-engaged in making art that touches on mental wellbeing. You’ll hear from a diverse range of voices, including performance artist Bryony Kimmings, activist the vacuum cleaner, theatre-maker Selina Thompson, and comedian Felicity Ward. Their discussions weave through the practicalities and ethics of autobiographical storytelling, the delicate balance of leading participatory projects with vulnerable groups, and the creation of truly safe spaces for expression. Whether the focus is a community theatre piece or a stand-up comedy set about personal struggle, each episode delves into the real challenges and responsibilities involved. Tuning into this series feels like accessing a necessary toolkit, filled with hard-won wisdom about care, integrity, and artistic courage. The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival has crafted a resource that is as thoughtful as it is practical, making this podcast an essential listen for those committed to this nuanced and important work.