BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR PERFORMING ARTS MEDICINe
Our Mission
BAPAM is the medical charity for the performing arts.
While a creative career can be immensely rewarding, it also brings specific challenges. Research shows that 75% of those working in the performing arts will face a career-impacting physical or psychological health problem at some point.
Established in 1984, BAPAM (the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) supports artists, performers and industry professionals with work-related health concerns. BAPAM’s clinicians combine clinical excellence with performing-arts expertise, delivering realistic, actionable recommendations tailored to creative careers.
The breadth of health challenges encountered throughout performing arts careers ranges from mental health, musculoskeletal and vocal health to hearing concerns, while common issues such as eyesight and dental health can cause specific problems when performing.
BAPAM (the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) is the largest provider of clinical services to the UK’s entire performing arts sector, supporting industry professionals at all stages of their career, including students, from musicians and singers to dancers, actors, and circus performers as well as those who work behind the scenes. We ensure they receive the best possible information and training to prevent poor health as well as specialist care when things go wrong, to support healthy careers and aid recovery from illness or injury.
BAPAM helps thousands of artists and creators each year to enjoy healthy and sustainable creative practice. We work closely with industry organisations including Help Musicians, PRS Members’ Fund, PPL, Royal Society of Musicians, Healthy Conservatoires, Equity, the Musicians’ Union, Dance Professionals Fund, Actors’ Trust and Royal Variety Charity to improve health sector-wide.
clinical services
We provide free, expert clinical assessments and occupation-specfific health advice in BAPAM clinics around the UK and online, plus signposting to high quality services through the BAPAM Directory.
clinical standards
We uphold clinical standards for healthcare in the performing arts, and we deliver medical education and training for clinicians and healthcare practitioners.
education
We publish evidence-backed information resources and deliver expert-led healthy practice training for artists, creators and industry professionals, sharing essential knowledge for sustainable, lifelong creative practice
research
BAPAM partners with academic institutions and medical researchers to further evidence-informed understanding of health in the performing arts and drive effective clinical practice
partnership
We are the clinical partner to the creative industry, working with educators, unions, businesses, and support organisations, including those commissioning or providing healthcare services, to advise on best practice
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
Drop us a line
BAPAM is a Registered Charity No. 1167785
Contact us:
London Office
63 Mansell Street, London, E1 8AN