TranslateWhy We Started SUSTAIN.ART
A personal journey from injury to advocacy
Our Founder
Anna Tse's Journey
I am a classically trained pianist. During my performance career, I suffered two episodes of tendinitis. A doctor told me that my ability would never recover back to peak performance.
Rather than accepting that prognosis, I found my way through somatic education — specifically the Alexander Technique.
It helped me overcome the injury cycle and break through my own technical plateau. But after my recovery, I realized that what helped me was not accessible to most artists.
The Problem is Systemic
Somatic education and evidence-based support are not accessible in Hong Kong or in many regions globally. Specialized performing arts medicine is geographically limited and cost-prohibitive, especially in Asia compared to Western countries.
Harmful practice habits are passed down through teaching traditions simply because "this is how I was taught." Vital research in performance science remains siloed in academic journals, never reaching the practice rooms where it is needed most.
Artists are left to navigate pain and mental health challenges alone.
A Culture of Silence
After completing my Alexander Technique Teacher Training, I worked with several professional orchestral musicians. I saw that many feared speaking up about their pain or taking a break from their duties — out of fear of being perceived as weak, or of losing their position.
This confirmed for me that the problem is not only about access to care, but about a culture of silence that surrounds artist health.
Two Cases That Changed Everything
Two cases stayed with me and created the sense of urgency that led me to found SUSTAIN.ART.
Lim Dong-hyek — A Chopin Competition Laureate
In December 2025, a pianist whose recordings I had listened to for years posted a farewell message on social media. Seoul police tracked him down and took him to hospital. He survived.
"I have suffered from severe depression throughout my life as a performer. I was happy and grateful thanks to all of you. I am naturally prone to loneliness, which might have made it harder to endure. That's why I relied heavily on alcohol and enjoyed drinking and entertainment. But in the end, music was my everything … I might be somewhat vulgar, but my music is not."
Lise Beauchamp — An Oboist in Orchestre Métropolitain
Died by suicide at age 58. One survived by chance. One did not. Both cases made the urgency personal.
Every artist has moments of struggle. Every artist deserves access to specialized, empathetic care that truly respects the challenges of their career.
They should be supported by multidisciplinary care.
We started SUSTAIN.ART because the art cannot outlast the artist. If we want to protect our culture, we have to support the people who create it.
Stay Connected
Get updates on our work to build a global network for performing arts health and wellness.
