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 have 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 new programme from the Mayor of London 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 the Mayor’s 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 cultural organisations, funders, councils and other key decision-makers.

How will it work?

Each freelancer will receive a bursary, match-funded by a cultural organisation, and collaborate on a six-month research project in targeted working groups, supported by a freelance facilitation team. They will feed into the Mayor of London’s work to improve job creation and retention for freelancers, as well as skills and training, and take part in advocacy and lobbying.

Recruitment Criteria

The GLA and Fuel are recruiting 6-9 individuals to form the Advisory Group.

The final Advisory Group will include a combination of:

• London-based freelancers in the performing arts
• Leaders of London-based performing arts organisations who work with freelancers
• Representatives of sector support organisations and/or research bodies, engaging in this area

Deadline 
10am on 12 March 2021

https://fueltheatre.com/projects/cfslr/