Ann Marie Shields, Board Member of Minding Creative Minds, writes about Ireland's first 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support programme for the Irish creative sector...
I grew up in a home surrounded by passionate and creative people with big personalities. In my youth, money was tight and prospects were limited but we dreamed big.
In my early teens, all sorts of punks and interesting characters from bands traipsed through our house every weekend to record their demos on my brother Kevin's state-of-the-art 4-track portastudio. Little did I know that some 40 years later, I’d still be surrounded by artists recording and releasing records.
Growing up with a love of music, dance and drawing I often felt uncomfortable as a child wondering why people accepted the humdrum constraints of a society that saw the arts as a hobby, not a necessity. I used to daydream about a time when pursuing a life in the arts was recognised as equally as important as any other choice of work.
That fire in me eventually led me to be on the team that successfully achieved university accreditation for BIMM Institute Dublin, where I’m Head of Careers, Industry and Events.
Although I love the challenges of the music industry, the creative and colourful personalities, and the adventurous work, I'm also keenly aware of the struggles faced by artists, with acute sensitivities, fluctuating finances and demanding uncertain schedules.
Having studied psychology at UCD (where I put on my first gig in the mid-80s at the Belfield Bar: an early line-up of My Bloody Valentine) and postgraduate studies in Higher and Music Education at The University of Middlesex, I’ve worked extensively in the music industry for over 30 years, with artists such as My Bloody Valentine, Dinosaur Jr, Mercury Rev, Rumer, Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey), Marianne Faithful, Charlotte Hatherley (ASH/Bat for Lashes), Vernon Jane, MAD LION and many more. My work has included managing and tour managing bands, running independent labels (Morpheus, Little Sister, AMS Records), working as A&R manager at Warner Bros. flagship label Reprise Records, and sourcing music for feature films including Joe Meek biopic Telstar, a portrait of a man whose genius ended in suicide.
Although I love the challenges of the music industry, the creative and colourful personalities, and the adventurous work, I’m also keenly aware of the struggles faced by artists, with acute sensitivities, fluctuating finances and demanding uncertain schedules. Sadly along the way I lost friends to drugs and suicide, and supported others in recovery. These experiences, and my continued passion for the arts, made me more determined to find ways to support artists, and help them overcome problems, conquer their demons, and strive while following their passions.
As module leader of Professional Development at BIMM and Head of Careers I was lucky to cross paths with Dave Reid, and in him, I found a kindred spirit – someone with a deep interest in both psychotherapy and the music industry with lots of empathy and experience to share. Dave and I have worked together for several years to support BIMM students, and I was deeply honoured when (in 2019) he asked me to get involved as a director of his new venture, Ireland's first 24/7 mental health and wellbeing support programme for the Irish creative sector, Minding Creative Minds (launched during the Pandemic in June 2020).
By holding Meet & Greet sessions, Minding Creative Minds encourages open conversation and the sharing of valuable information to facilitate an atmosphere of help and support.
The 2nd MCM Meet & Greet Session takes place online on Monday, February 15th at 7 pm. Advance registration is necessary - find out more here.
Just click here and follow the instructions; https://zoom.us/j/95398482139?pwd=c3RPTlNtSzBidlNqTXFZbk43eVJxZz09
Notes to the Editor:
Minding Creative Minds includes access to the following services:
24/7 Dedicated Phone Line (Phone 1800 814 244) (Calling from NI - 0800 0903677)
· Counselling Service (Short term intervention / Up to 6 Sessions)
· Telephone Counselling
· Secure Video Counselling
· Extensive Web Portal & App enabling live chat function with a
counsellor
Minding Creative Minds also offers access to:
· Advice on practical, day-to-day issues that cause anxiety and stress
· Legal Assistance for a range of issues
· Financial Assistance & Consumer Advice
· Career Guidance & Life Coaching
· Support for Non-Irish Nationals & their families
· Mediation for conflict resolution
With thanks to existing funding partners; First Fortnight, IMRO (Irish Music Rights Organisation), IRMA (Irish Recorded Music Association), MCD Productions, RAAP (Recorded Artists, Actors & Performers), Universal Music Ireland and the BAI (Broadcasting Authority of Ireland) and new funding by The Department of Culture, Arts, Media, Tourism, Sport and the Gaeltacht we are thrilled Minding Creative Minds is able to open our services to the entire creative community both in Ireland and our Irish overseas (circa 55,000 people in total).
