'Together we can share the load': How freelancers and arts organisations can work together

Two people using a laptop
12 Dec 2019

Freelancers have a lot to offer arts organisations – and a lot to learn from them too. Carla Kingham considers what is needed for this relationship to work.

The moral case for making money

A photo of a shared workspace
12 Dec 2019

Patrick Towell explains why underpaying or under-employing workers can never be in an organisation’s long-term interests and suggests how you can start thinking more sustainably about the big picture – for everyone’s benefit.

How the Fringe is forcing out working class voices

12 Dec 2019

Edinburgh Fringe is full of people making obscene amounts of money on the backs of artists who are bringing everyone to the city in the first place, says Kevin P. Gilday. It’s an inequality that is undermining the lofty ideals on which the fringe was formed.

When governments support artists…

12 Dec 2019

The project-to-project style of artists’ work makes it difficult for them to claim welfare benefits so the Irish government has taken action to help. It’s a small step forward, says Eoghan Carrick.

Speaking the same language: working as a Deaf freelancer

12 Dec 2019

If your first and preferred language is British Sign Language, what challenges do you face as a Deaf freelance artist – and what can be done to overcome them? Olivier Jamin shares his experiences and offers some advice. 

“We surprised ourselves”: Exit Interview with Judith Knight

18 Nov 2019

Forty years after founding Artsadmin, departed Director Judith Knight has just one regret: “it’s the most boring name for a company that’s ever existed, probably.”

Supporting artists, not productions

07 Nov 2019

Helping artists make new work is important, but building longer and deeper relationships with them brings greater rewards for all, says Claire Symonds.

Why artists’ studios are changing with the times

A photo of a tall building in front of a blue sky
24 Oct 2019

Dedicated studio complexes offer artists supportive communities, career development and chances to connect with local people, says Emily Robson.

Arts Council of Wales sets minimum pay rates

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10 Oct 2019

The agency has said it will not fund applications that don’t commit to paying artists union minimum rates “at the very least”.

Working on our terms - not yours

Photo of Jon Adams' artwork
10 Oct 2019

Jon Adams explains how a Portsmouth-based project aims to become a national hub of excellence led by and for neurodivergent artists.

Bridging the gap between art and academia

01 Oct 2019

The University of Lincoln's School of Fine and Performing Arts is thought to be unique in employing a professional producer to support students' creative work. Rachel Baynton explains how her role bridges the gap between academia and artistic practice.

Your questions answered on ACE's new strategy

A choir performing out the front of the Fitzwilliam Museum
16 Sep 2019

Arts Council England’s policy leads respond to questions on its plans for the next ten years.

Giving artists a seat at the table

12 Sep 2019

The arts sector needs to stop exploiting skilled practitioners through tokenistic and self-serving community projects, says Charlotte Arculus.

Why we're taking action on mental health

A photo of a man and a woman drinking coffee
12 Sep 2019

A new collective is enabling the sector to share insights and ideas to support better mental health and wellbeing, writes Laura Edralin.

Investment in the arts is no soft option

A photo of Edinburgh at night
23 Aug 2019

With a budget fast approaching, Arts Council England’s Chief Executive Darren Henley calls on the new Government to back up its warm words for the arts with financial support.

ACE to fund Edinburgh Fringe showcase

Photo of Edinburgh Fringe
19 Aug 2019

The funder plans to invest up to £2.25 million in England-based performance artists “to build and strengthen international partnerships”.

Live music in the Midlands ‘rapidly declining’

Photo of musical performance
07 Aug 2019

An undersized musician population, a lack of artist support and performance space pressures: why live music in the Midlands is falling behind the rest of the UK.

Join the discussion on ACE’s new strategy

A photo of a man photographing a street piano player
23 Jul 2019

Over the coming weeks, ArtsProfessional will be putting your questions to Arts Council England on its new draft ten-year strategy. Here ACE’s Deputy Chief Executive Simon Mellor introduces one of the strategy’s three key outcomes.

'If you can't find the work, make it': helping young people take the creative initiative

A girl spray painting a poppy onto a wall using a stencil
18 Jul 2019

Programmes that nurture imagination and ambition can help re-establish the arts as a transformative force, says Robert West.

The real 'Brand Britain': can European grassroots touring survive?

A photo of a man playing a cello
11 Jul 2019

What might a no-deal Brexit do to the independent grassroots networks that currently flourish across the continent, asks Martin Cox.

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