Free Counselling Program Supporting New Brunswick Artists
ArtsLink New Brunswick has been a key force in the province’s arts and culture landscape since 2009. With a membership of over 300 professional artists and arts organizations, ArtsLink delivers practical support through business training, creative residencies, mentorship programs and advocacy. Their work helps artists develop sustainable careers, expand their audiences and contribute meaningfully to the cultural life of New Brunswick.
One issue that kept coming up in consultations with artists was mental health. Creative professionals face unique pressures such as unpredictable income, long hours, isolation and the emotional intensity of their work. These factors, combined with a lack of affordable mental health care, leave many artists without support during times of stress or burnout.
According to the 2021 National Arts and Culture Impact Survey, 76 per cent of Canadian arts and culture workers reported high or very high levels of anxiety in the aftermath of the pandemic — a jump from just 26 per cent pre-pandemic. A separate survey by Visual Arts Nova Scotia found that 74 per cent of artists had needed mental health support at some point, but often lacked access due to cost or availability.
To respond to this growing need and inspired by a similar program in PEI, ArtsLink created the Creative Wellness Program alongside Just Us, a New Brunswick-based mental health non-profit that provides free and low-cost counselling services.
“Artists are consistently underpaid, living with financial instability and navigating hustle culture,” said Jeri Knopp, Programming Director at ArtsLink NB. “When your work is also your passion, it’s hard to separate your identity from your income, and that has a huge impact on mental health. We wanted to offer something to help with that.”
The program offers 25 professional artists six one-on-one counselling sessions — three funded by ArtsLink and three donated by Just Us. The sessions can be done virtually or in person at one of Just Us’ offices in Saint John or Fredericton. This flexibility also allows artists living in rural areas or with mobility challenges to take part.
The feedback so far has been powerful. Artists have described the experience as transformative. One participant said, “I was stuck, and they helped me.” Another shared, “The counselling intern made me feel comfortable to talk to,” and others noted a new sense of hope and motivation after just a few sessions.
“Artists give so much of themselves to their communities, and we believe they deserve that same care in return,” said Taylor Wells, Executive Director at Just Us. “We’re proud to partner with community organizations like ArtsLink NB to further reduce barriers and increase access to mental health care.”
The arts and culture sector is only as strong as the people within it. By addressing mental health head-on, the Creative Wellness Program is helping build a stronger, more vibrant future for New Brunswick’s creative community.