Artist Circle #1 Q&A: Resilience, Mental Health & Creativity

This new Artist Circle format comes directly from you—the Music Pool Berlin community. You told us you want more connection, more peer support, and more open conversations about the realities of working in music.

We hear you.

That’s why we’re creating a space for musicians to talk, share knowledge, and support each other in a real and honest way. Whether it’s navigating mental health, building sustainable careers, or tackling industry challenges, these sessions are designed to bring us together to learn from each other and grow as a community. Each session will focus on different aspects of the musician’s journey, shaped by what you want to discuss.

Kick off the year with an open and honest conversation about the realities of being a musician today. Join Music Pool Berlin for a deep dive into the challenges artists face—navigating pressure, staying authentic, and finding balance in an ever-changing industry.

• Host: Melissa Perales (curator, promoter, MPB consultant)

• Guests: Łukasz Polowczyk (artist, poet, educator) & Ben Olayinka (DJ, programmer, community builder)

In this first session we want to cover topics like this with you. 

What we'll explore:

Healthy Communication & Self-Expression – How can artists communicate in ways that reflect who they are or want to become without sacrificing mental health? Łukasz will offer tools for authentic storytelling, while Ben shares insights on balancing visibility and well-being in public spaces.

Music-Making in Collaboration – Sustaining meaningful creative partnerships. Łukasz will share his experience facilitating artistic collaborations, while Ben reflects on trust-building and adaptability in DJ and tech projects.

Authenticity in a Competitive Industry – How can you stay true to your artistic vision while navigating external pressures? Łukasz will explore vulnerability as a creative strength, while Ben discusses breaking industry norms to align with personal values.

Challenges in 2025: Financial & Political Landscapes – What are creative ways to sustain projects in uncertain times? Melissa, Łukasz, and Ben will discuss industry shifts and offer solidarity and support.

Hybrid Careers – Crafting sustainable and fulfilling multi-disciplinary paths. With Łukasz’s mix of poetry, education, and consultancy, and Ben’s fusion of tech, DJing, and community-building, they’ll share strategies for combining creativity and stability.

Artist Circle #1 Q&A
 26. Februar (Mittwoch) |  16 - 18 Uhr
 Music Pool Berlin @ House of Music
Revaler Str. 99, RAW Gelände 2nd floor

Part of Music Pool Berlin’s new Q&A series, this is your space to connect, share, and learn.

Save the date & join us for this essential conversation!