Hello, lover of the arts!

I’m so happy to share a new non-profit organization to help keep performing arts alive in these uncertain times. 

My name is Libby Parker, I am the founder and executive director of Health For The Arts, Inc. a New York 501(c)(3) organization that was formed this summer for the charitable purpose of offering free and low-cost health and wellness services to workers in the performing arts industry who cannot otherwise afford these services.

This organization came about after years of working with performers and backstage workers in my nutrition practice. With my background in musical theatre and dance, I was focusing my work on the intersection of eating disorders with the performing arts population, and learning that “starving artist” was an unfortunately true stereotype in both senses of the word. 

Many people who were struggling and wanted to work with me or other experts simply couldn’t afford to. Even sliding my fees low, was an unattainable stretch for them. Insurance (if they had it) rarely covered “allied health professions” such as nutrition counseling, therapy, substance use treatment, and other life-saving services. As gig workers, they were never secure in knowing how much money they could expect to make going forward, or when their next contract would be granted. As athletes, they needed more specialty health services with experts who know what they do – many of which are financially out of reach.

I finally hit a point where I couldn’t stand idly by and, with a nudge from colleagues, formed Health For The Arts.

Our Vision: 

Imagine a world where every performing artist—those who captivate us on stage, and those who work behind the scenes to make the magic—has access to vital health and wellness services, regardless of their financial circumstances. At Health For The Arts, we are committed to making this vision a reality – with your help!

Our goals for 2025

• Offer very low cost Certified Eating Disorder Specialist-led support groups for theatre workers struggling with eating disorders
• Offer free therapist-led workshops for regulating the nervous system
• Adding additional groups as we see the need
• Raise awareness for health needs in the theatre community through social campaigns and educational lectures
• Hire staff to begin vetting clinicians who can help theatre workers and matching them for individual services

To start we need your help with just two little actions:

Help us by spreading awareness about the organization!

• Share this post!
• Share our social media posts (all socials @HealthForTheArts)
• Share this information with theatre directors and producers

Help us fund these programs and more with your tax-deductible charitable donation!

• We can only help as much as you can give. What shows do you want to see this year? Think of all the people involved with putting on a production. In many cases, it’s dozens if not hundreds of people. How much can you donate to keep these people healthy so they can enrich your life through beautiful entertainment?

Donate: https://givebutter.com/health-for-the-arts

Or text HFTA to 53555

With gratitude,

Libby Parker, MS, RD, CDN, CEDS-C (she/her)

Health For The Arts, Inc. 501(c)(3)

Founder & Executive Director

 

P.S. – Another way to donate: Get some holiday shopping done by purchasing Regal Movie Theatre tickets through our LINK where our organization will get $7.50 for every $30 of gift certificates purchased. Wicked movie, anyone?