Virtual workshops to focus on sustainability, mental health and diversity on tour

The Back Lounge is collaborating with Tour Production Group on three online workshops that are focused on making touring better. Hosted by industry experts, the workshops will discuss sustainability, positive mental health and diversity. Conducted via Zoom, the event organisers will allow plenty of time for Q&As.

Roadmap to Sustainable Touring – 19 January 2022 | Hosted by Jamal Chalabi – tour & production manager, Backlash Productions and Nathalie Candel – stage & event manager, Freelance Tour

Following a global pandemic and COP26, the pressure is on for the music industry to make its contribution towards a greener world, and fans are expecting their favourite artists to take action. In this workshop, attendees will learn the basics of sustainability on tour, whether they travel by van or large bus. Chalabi and Candel will explain the current state of the planet and what appropriate actions attendees can take on the road.

Better mental health on tour – 17 February 2022 | Hosted by Music Industry Therapy Collective’s psychotherapist Jodi Milstein and Dr Arun Castro, a performing arts medicine physician

During the pandemic, many touring professionals had time to realise that working conditions, tour demands, and lifestyle factors had contributed to poor mental health. With high rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicide among these environments, it would suggest that change is long overdue. This workshop will examine how individually and collectively, they can improve life on tour from a mental health perspective.

Milstein and Castro are part of the Music Industry Therapists and Coaches (MITC), a collective of specialist therapists and coaches working in the UK, US and EU. These practitioners have a lived experience of working within the music business prior to retraining, meaning they understand the working conditions, specific occupational stresses, and challenges faced within the industry.

How to be an ally – 3 March 2022 | Hosted by tour director Keely Myers – Global Touring Office and wellness & diversity specialist, Joanne Croxford

Both founders of TPG Diversity and Inclusion Group, Myers and Croxford will explore how the touring industry is waking up to the benefits of a more diverse workforce and examine the ways a safe working environment can be created for minorities. This workshop will ensure that an attendee’s ally ship is well intentioned and supportive.