Freelancers Make Theatre Work

Image Description: “This is an existential moment for creators. Copyright is not a technical inconvenience; it is the mechanism that allows creators to earn a living and to retain control over the meaning and integrity of their work. Remove it, and you do not merely damage an industry – you dismantle the conditions under which culture itself can exist.”

Brave New World? Justice for creators in the age of GenAI, shows the devastating impact generative AI is having on creators’ jobs by using the evidence of more than 10,000 creators across music, writing, photography and performance.

Read the full report here: tinyurl.com/365pnpwf

On Friday 8th May 2026, the PMF will be holding their major annual forum at the Sherman Theatre Cardiff & online

This all day forum is for anyone interested in learning and discussing more about making inclusive and accessible theatre.

www.productionmanagersforum.org/news/behind-...

"We need to adapt our buildings and operational models very quickly to cope with the more extreme climate we’re now experiencing. For the most part, we know what the solutions are. The challenge is finding the funding..." - Paddy Dillon, co-chair of the Theatre Green Book

Creative industries must not be traded for 'speculative AI gains', peers say - Arts Professional The creative industries must not sacrifice the UK's "outstanding creative capacity for speculative AI gains", a House of Lords committee has said.

The creative industries must not sacrifice the UK’s “outstanding creative capacity for speculative AI gains”, a House of Lords committee has said. www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/creativ...

Listening and learning matter.

This curated Reading List, Podcasts & Studies page is full of essential context for understanding conflict, displacement, and the role of the arts.
Built from community recommendations.

🔗 www.freelancersmaketheatrework.com/globalconflict/readinglistpodcaststudies

Creative industries must not be traded for 'speculative AI gains', peers say - Arts Professional The creative industries must not sacrifice the UK's "outstanding creative capacity for speculative AI gains", a House of Lords committee has said.

The creative industries must not sacrifice the UK’s “outstanding creative capacity for speculative AI gains”, a House of Lords committee has said. www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/creativ...

Beckett Biennale boss: Arts funding in Northern Ireland is pathetic Artistic director Seán Doran has condemned a lack of funding for the arts in Northern Ireland compared with the rest of the UK as 'pathetic and derisory'

Artistic director Seán Doran has condemned a lack of funding for the arts in Northern Ireland compared with the rest of the UK as "pathetic and derisory".

Read more in The Stage here: www.thestage.co.uk/news/beckett...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

“[Freelancers] deserve fair pay, safe workplaces and clear, respectful communication wherever they work." - Naomi Pohl, general secretary of the Musicians’ Union speaking at the launch of the 'Engaging Creative Freelancers: Best Practice Guide.'

Explore the guide here: buff.ly/wfw9UFQ

The executive producer of The Night Manager has warned that the successors to standout British dramas such as Adolescence and Fleabag are at risk if theatre funding continues to fall.

Read more in The Times here: www.thetimes.com/uk/media/art...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #TheArts #Culture

With so many changes in Europe, it can feel overwhelming for artists currently working or planning to work on the continent.

To help navigate these challenges, we’ve gathered a range of useful resources, which we regularly update to keep you informed. freelancersmaketheatrework.com/working-in-e...

A three-year national pilot has shown that embedding teaching for creativity in classrooms can transform teaching practice, improve student engagement, and help rekindle teachers’ passion in their profession.

www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

We’re listening. 🎭
Your ideas, concerns and feedback help us shape the conversations we take to theatre leaders, production teams and even government.

Want to add your voice? Head to our website and click ‘Listen’:
👉 www.freelancersmaketheatrework.com/feed-into-th...

Image Description: “We love our work, but the physical and cognitive challenges of the menopause sit uncomfortably alongside the rigid structures, timescales and stresses of the creative industries.”

An open letter calling on the creative industries to make changes to its "rigid structures" to accommodate those navigating the menopause.

Read the full letter here: openletter.earth/open-letter-...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #ArtsAndCulture

Cultural strategies vital even to cash-strapped councils, LGA expert says - Arts Professional In a "time of scarcity" for local councils, a comprehensive cultural strategy is "more important than ever", an expert at the Local Government Association

The Local Government Association has recently produced its Cultural Strategies Think Kit, alongside the University of Southampton — but many councils have scaled back on arts and culture spending amid financial strain.

-Via Arts Professional

www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/cultura...

There’s no place for coercion, abuse, or sexual violence in the performing arts. We all must work together to end inappropriate behaviour.

If you or someone you know needs support, find a list of helpful resources here: freelancersmaketheatrework.com/sexual-viole...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

LGBTQIA+ Resources - Freelancers make theatre work The FMTW LGBTQIA+ resources hub where you will find advice, support, lobbying information and more for LGBTQIA+ artists in and those wanting to support them

Being freelance should never mean being alone.

The FMTW LGBTQIA+ resources hub is a curated list of advice, support, lobbying information and more for LGBTQIA+ artists and those wanting to support them.

Explore the hub:
freelancersmaketheatrework.com/lgbtqia

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #LGBTQIA+

Beckett Biennale boss: Arts funding in Northern Ireland is pathetic Artistic director Seán Doran has condemned a lack of funding for the arts in Northern Ireland compared with the rest of the UK as 'pathetic and derisory'

Artistic director Seán Doran has condemned a lack of funding for the arts in Northern Ireland compared with the rest of the UK as "pathetic and derisory".

Read more in The Stage here: www.thestage.co.uk/news/beckett...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

"It’s rather cruel to ask why government should ‘prop up’ the arts, it’s their duty to promote the cultural well-being of the nation in the same way as we support the health of the nation with the NHS. These things are deeply connected. To separate them out doesn’t make sense to me."

Speaking to the Times earlier this month, Emma Thompson has urged the government to back the arts like it backs the NHS.

Read more here: www.thetimes.com/culture/thea...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #TheArts #Culture #ArtsAndCulture

“The expectation to overdeliver is unspoken and loud. Everybody overcommits and as the artist you’re at the bottom of the food chain and expected to do your ‘magic’ in a system that is structurally f–cked.”

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #WeAreCreative #Freelancers #Freelancer #Culture #Arts

Beckett Biennale boss: Arts funding in Northern Ireland is pathetic Artistic director Seán Doran has condemned a lack of funding for the arts in Northern Ireland compared with the rest of the UK as 'pathetic and derisory'

Artistic director Seán Doran has condemned a lack of funding for the arts in Northern Ireland compared with the rest of the UK as "pathetic and derisory".

Read more in The Stage here: www.thestage.co.uk/news/beckett...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

Cultural strategies vital even to cash-strapped councils, LGA expert says - Arts Professional In a "time of scarcity" for local councils, a comprehensive cultural strategy is "more important than ever", an expert at the Local Government Association

The Local Government Association has recently produced its Cultural Strategies Think Kit, alongside the University of Southampton — but many councils have scaled back on arts and culture spending amid financial strain.

-Via Arts Professional

www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/cultura...

Image Description: “What we’re seeing is UK producers reducing the number of dates they’re doing in Europe, which is reducing work for our members, and we’re seeing EU-based producers overlooking UK talent.” - Equity head of policy Tom Peters

In a parliamentary committee earlier this month, Equity head of policy Tom Peters reported that UK producers were doing fewer dates on the continent, while Spotlight boss Matt Hood said Brexit had "placed UK performers in a cultural cul-de-sac".

@TheStage: www.thestage.co.uk/news/spotlig...

“Getting paid should not be a daily battle. And yes, this includes every time you want that 'informal chat' to know our thoughts too.” - Jayne Lawless, Artist.

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #TheArts #Culture #ArtsAndCulture

🎭🌍 Navigating the Arts Amid Global Conflict 🌍🎭

We've collated-
Practical Support: Access tools and guides to navigate challenges.
Solidarity Actions: Learn how to stand with affected artists.
Lived Experiences: Insights from those directly impacted.

freelancersmaketheatrework.com/globalconflict

'The day-to-day reality of being a Black or Brown leader in the industry is rarely the story we want to tell.' - Chinonyerem Odimba, Writer and Artistic Director of tiata fahodzi, on why theatre must support global-majority leaders to thrive, not just survive.

Full article: tinyurl.com/527umk2z

We’re here to help you navigate the challenges of freelancing in the arts. From workshops & resources to financial & mental health support, we’ve got you covered.
Explore the tools & advice available to you - click on ‘Support’ & take the next step.
👉 freelancersmaketheatrework.com/support/

'Landmark' basic income for artists scheme confirmed - Arts Professional The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport in Ireland has confirmed the successor scheme to a pilot initiative that saw some 2,000 artists receiving a

‘Landmark’ basic income for artists scheme confirmed.
Research conducted into the pilot scheme showed for every for every €1 of public money invested in artists’ income, wider society received €1.39 in return.

Via ArtsPro - www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/landmar...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

We've gathered links to free wellbeing initiatives, affordable counselling services, helpful video resources, and organisations offering various support options, including peer-to-peer schemes, all specifically for arts freelancers.

👉 freelancersmaketheatrework.com/support/#wel...

A three-year national pilot has shown that embedding teaching for creativity in classrooms can transform teaching practice, improve student engagement, and help rekindle teachers’ passion in their profession.

www.durham.ac.uk/news-events/...

#FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

Covid, Brexit & growing austerity uncovered the fragility of a cultural sector whose success remains predicated on neoliberal market-focused values. They also exposed the alarming precarity & vulnerability of its freelance workforce.' - Chrissie Tiller, freelance cultural worker.