I'm very proud to be acting as the representative for WeMakeEvents as part of the Creative Freelancers: Shaping London's Recovery initiative. WME is one of the partner organisations helping to shape the programme and to provide a voice for all of us behind the scenes as well as in full view.

Over six months, 50 freelancers in the performing arts will collaborate with cultural organisations on how to improve working practice. The programme is designed to improve future working conditions as well as provide employment now. 

Creative freelancers, particularly those in the performing arts, have been hit hard by COVID-19. From the very start of restrictions, up to 60% of freelancers had lost all of their work, and it is estimated that at least 200,000 Londoners have been excluded from any Government support. The pandemic has also highlighted existing inequalities facing creative freelancers – including a lack of security at work, unequal access to freelance opportunities, and a lack of a basic safety net. 

This programme will enable a diverse group of freelancers in the culture sector to come together to explore and make recommendations on the future of freelancing. It will support ambitions to improve working conditions and training, as well as advocating for the statutory changes needed for freelancers. 

Creative Freelancers: Shaping London’s Recovery will amplify the voices of the self-employed in the culture sector, giving space for freelancers to shape and demonstrate their role in the recovery of London’s creative and cultural industries, as well as in wider civic spaces. 

The programme brings together up to 50 diverse freelancers from across the performing arts, including performers, directors, writers and designers, with up to 50 leaders of partner organisations, funders, councils and other key decision makers 

For more information on everyone involved and to sign up for information on how to apply for the freelance cohort see https://fueltheatre.com/cfslr-announcement/

#CreativeFreelancers #CFSLR #WeMakeEvents