Creating a personal connection

SOME of the state’s finest musicians and music industry professionals will share their personal stories and creative processes at a special Mental Health Week event in Hobart tomorrow night.

Promoting this year’s Mental Health Week theme of “stronger together”,

Mindspeak is designed to support and raise awareness for musicians and creatives who suffer from mental illness.

Guest speakers and performers will include Mary Shannon, Christopher Coleman, Jed Appleton, EWAH, Jake Long, Jay Jarome and more.

Event organiser Tim Kling said a grant from the Mental Health Council of Tasmania meant that the artists involved would be paid for their participation and performance — something that doesn’t always happen, exacerbating the issues facing creative types.

“We believe that too often musicians get asked to play for free, which creates a cycle of devaluing the hard work creatives put in to making their art,” he said.

“We would like to change that mentality so musicians are being respected like any other industry, with a minimum standard fee for their services.

“This has a direct correlation for their ability to live meaningful and fulfilling lives, and consequently improves overall mental health wellbeing.”

Hosted by ABC radio producer Lucille Cutting, Mindspeak will take place at the Hobart Brewing Co (Macquarie Point) from 7.30pm tomorrow. Entry is via gold coin donation, with funds donated to music charity Support Act.