ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies factors impacting artists’ and cultural workers’ mental health. Structural conditions constitute power imbalances, such as inclusion mechanisms that influence privilege and possibilities to exhibit/publish artwork. Structural conditions also have an impact on the distribution of financial resources and the forming of new collective and inclusive networks, creating alternative arenas for artistic and cultural work. Such efforts are becoming more common both in Sweden and internationally, and have the potential to reduce factors contributing to vulnerability among artists. Work conditions, such as job resources, autonomy, blurred lines between work and free time, solo work, insubstantial or delayed feedback, and performance and audience anxiety, influence artists’ and cultural workers’ mental health. Finally, individual conditions, such as psychological factors, either strengthen creative work or impede individuals from reaching their potential as creators. Factors influencing all three of the above conditions should be taken into account when improving occupational health in occupational and creative fields.
