The Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown 1.0 on Working Patterns, Income, and Wellbeing Among Performing Arts Professionals in the United Kingdom (April–June 2020)

Abstract

This article reports data collected from 385 performing arts professionals using the HEartS Professional Survey during the COVID-19 Lockdown 1.0 in the United Kingdom. Study 1 examined characteristics of performing arts professionals’ work and health, and investigated how these relate to standardized measures of wellbeing. Study 2 examined the effects of the lockdown on work and wellbeing in the respondents’ own words. Findings from Study 1 indicate a substantial reduction in work and income. 53% reported financial hardship, 85% reported increased anxiety, and 63% reported being lonelier than before the crisis. 61% sought support on finances while only 45% did so on health and wellbeing. Multiple regression analyses, using the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Social Connectedness Scale, and Three-Item Loneliness Scale as outcome variables, indicate that perceived financial hardship was associated with lower wellbeing and higher depression and loneliness scores. Higher self-rated health was associated with higher wellbeing and lower depression scores. More physical activity before lockdown was associated with higher wellbeing and social connectedness scores, as well as lower loneliness scores, and an increase in physical activity during lockdown compared with before, as well as older age, were associated with higher wellbeing and social connectedness scores, and lower depression and loneliness scores. Thematic inductive analysis of 341 open responses in Study 2 identified five overarching themes characterizing the effects of Lockdown 1.0: lost or uncertain work and income, including canceled work, financial concerns, and uncertainties for the future; constraints of lockdown working, including challenges of working at home, struggles with online work and skill maintenance, and caring responsibilities; loss and vulnerability, including reduced social connections, lack of support, vulnerability, feelings of loss and grief, and concern for others; detrimental effects on health and wellbeing, including anxiety, low or unstable mood, poorer physical health, and lack of motivation; and professional and personal opportunities, including coping well or living more healthily, more time and less pressure, new possibilities and activities, enhanced social connections, and new skills. Lockdown 1.0 had profound effects on performing arts professionals, but our findings reveal some opportunities and compelling links between positive wellbeing and physical activity.

The Experiences of Mid-career and Seasoned Orchestral Musicians in the UK During the First COVID-19 Lockdown

“…I'm not, I'm not stressing about [the diary service] coming off my phone thinking 'oh what's that work' or 'my whole life is clashing again"' (M11), and another player commented "It's amazing when the phone doesn't go, you know it's because you haven't fucked up, it's because the phone can't go" (S9). Notably, most of these participants reporting less anxiety and feeling more relaxed were in the seasoned group, and all three mid-career participants and five of the eight seasoned participants had received government financial aid, suggesting that this may have helped to alleviate some of the stress of financial hardship, found to be related to lower wellbeing in performing arts professionals during this period (Spiro et al, 2021). Five participants in the present study (M = 1, S = 4) reported that this period had provided an opportunity for their bodies to recover from the strains of playing, supporting evidence of the presence of performance-related physical problems among orchestral musicians (Kok et al, 2016): "Physically I'm recovering from the strains of aches and pains, so that side of things is better, yeah" (S1).…”

“…and that discrimination against self-employed is, is really hurtful, when we're all supposed to be in it together. (S9) Notably, the majority of respondents to Spiro et al's (2021) survey of performing arts professionals in the UK also reported loss of work, worry about finances and uncertainty and concern about the future. One participant in the present study talked openly about her frustration and jealousy of those people who she felt were oblivious to the impact of COVID-19 on people's lives: "I find it quite hard to be in touch with people who are not doing the same, who don't have the same jobs as us.…”

“…These are all activities that have been found to be useful for reducing anxiety and facilitating mental health (Stonerock et al, 2015;Meunier et al, 2019). Spiro et al's (2021) survey of performing arts professionals also found that increases in physical activity during lockdown were associated with higher wellbeing, highlighting the importance of engaging in physical activity. In the present study, five midcareer participants with young children said that caring for young children had helped to distract them from other anxieties: "They still really need me.…”

“…it's all very well having 25plus years' experience in the profession, but they're at the very beginning of all this" (S6). Concern for others was also identified in Spiro et al's (2021) study of performing arts professionals' wellbeing during lockdown. The awareness and empathy for others exhibited by the participants in the present study may reflect the acute listening and communication skills that are an essential part of the orchestral musician's tool-kit, enabling them to carry out their everyday work of making music together (Myers and White, 2012).…”

“…Musicians tend to be deeply emotionally invested in their work (Dobson, 2010;Bonneville-Roussy and Vallerand, 2020), and can experience sudden, involuntary career transitions as highly traumatic (Maitlis, 2009;Oakland et al, 2012;Hennekam and Bennett, 2016). In a recent online survey examining the working patterns, income, and wellbeing of performing arts professionals in the UK during the first lockdown, respondents reported a substantial loss of work and income, and an increase in anxiety (Spiro et al, 2021), suggesting that freelance classical orchestra musicians are likely to be particularly vulnerable to threats to their wellbeing during this period. This is all the more so in the light of the growing body of research indicating that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with significant increases in mental distress, depression and anxiety, generally (British Medical Association (BMA), 2020; Pierce et al, 2020;Tull et al, 2020;Wang et al, 2020).…”