Creative Balance intends to be the first of an ongoing exploration into the mental health and wellbeing of Black and People of Colour creatives in Scotland. The research project is seeking to better understand the unique challenges these communities face and identify areas for improvement in mental health support.

Mental health issues disproportionately affect Black People and People of Colour (BPoC), due to systemic racism, discrimination, lack of access to resources, and other structural barriers. This is true across many industries and locations.

The creative industries in Scotland have a diversity problem - most organisations are predominantly white. This lack of representation and feelings of isolation can negatively impact mental health for BPoC.

There is a need for research specifically focused on the experiences and needs of BPOC creatives in Scotland, in order to develop targeted strategies for improvement.

This research project pilot aims to explore mental health challenges and needs specific to BPoC communities working in Scotland's creative industries. Through interviews, surveys, policy review, and consultation with experts, the study will identify factors impacting BPoC wellbeing and develop recommendations to improve mental health resources, support, and representation. The project intends to take an intersectional approach considering overlapping identities and partner with BPoC-led groups. Potential outcomes include funding to uplift BIPOC creatives, expanded mental health services tailored to this community, mandatory anti-racism training, promotion of BPoC art forms, and increased commitments to diversity and inclusion across creative organisations.

The project team is led by songwriter and creative practitioner Matt Hickman and podcast producer and mental health advocate Halina Rifai.

The project is funded by The Baring Foundation and Creative Scotland and supported by We Are Here Scotland.

As the project continues the team will widen including the addition of participants and researchers.

For the first stage, the project team is currently recruiting members for a steering group, which will help guide the research and design process. We are seeking Black People and People of Colour creatives and mental healthcare professionals to participate. For more information on this please visit HERE

As the project progresses we will be looking for people to participate in paid focus groups. If you are an ally, please email us at hello@creativebalance.scot to find out how you can help.

All future opportunities will be posted HERE

Please email hello@creativebalance.scot with all queries and either Matt Hickman or Halina Rifai (project team leaders) will get back to you.