Freelancing isn’t just a way of working, it’s a way of thinking – Arts Professional

If you ask what a freelancer does, you’ll probably get the answer – someone who works for themselves. After six years freelancing across the sector, I’ve realised it’s far more than that

Being a freelancer means wearing more hats than you ever imagined possible. One week you’re producing an event; the next, you’re supporting with audience engagement, developing a communications strategy, facilitating workshops, or helping artists share their work. And in among all that, you’re writing invoices, planning your finances and wondering where the next project might come from

It’s unpredictable. It’s exciting. Sometimes it’s exhausting. Yet despite the uncertainty, I wouldn’t change it. Freelancing has given me the freedom to say yes to projects I want to work on and no to those I wasn’t keen on

During my freelance career I’ve worked across digital engagement, artist development, communications, partnerships, events and community-focused projects. No two pieces of work have ever looked the same, but they’ve all shared one thing: people

Whether helping organisations reach new audiences or creating opportunities for collaboration, I’ve learnt the arts and cultural sector thrives because of the people. Freelancers are often those people – quietly connecting organisations, sharing knowledge and helping ideas become reality

One project that has stayed with me was Pitch Perfect, a programme supporting theatre-makers, musicians, artists, writers and cultural organisations across the West Midlands to develop ideas for television and radio. It was created because the region’s stories, creative talent and voices have historically been underrepresented on national TV and radio. Its aim was to change that through training, development and industry support.

It brought together everything I enjoy about freelancing. I wasn’t simply delivering communications or creating marketing assets, I was speaking with artists and cultural organisations, hearing their ideas and helping them tell stories that deserved to reach wider audiences. It reminded me that behind every project, every campaign and every application is a person with something valuable to say.

Why I’ve stayed freelance has never been about moving from one contract to another. It’s about having the opportunity to work with different organisations, different communities and different people, each trying to make a positive difference

Across the sector, there’s increasing recognition that freelancers need more than individual commissions if they’re going to build sustainable careers. Organisations and funders are beginning to explore how support for freelancers can go beyond funding, with greater focus on professional development, mentoring, collaboration and peer learning

That’s encouraging because while funding will always be important, it’s only one part of building a successful freelance career. Freelancers need more than funding

They need connection

They need confidence

They need visibility

They need organisations that understand the realities of freelance life and are willing to support people when times are difficult. They need opportunities to keep learning, to build relationships and to meet other freelancers who understand what they’re experiencing

Freelancing can be very rewarding, but it can also feel isolating. There have been quiet periods when I’ve questioned what comes next or why I’m freelancing at all – I know many share that feeling. But the organisations I’ve valued most are the ones that treat freelancers as long-term partners rather than simply brought in to deliver a specific project. That investment in people makes all the difference.

My work with The Space’s Freelance Network has been meaningful in that regard as it brings together freelancers at different stages of their careers, creating opportunities to connect, share knowledge and learn from one another. Freelancing is a journey that never stands still so having a supportive community to exchange experiences, ask questions and continue learning is vital

As the network grows, we’re creating further opportunities to build connections, both through The Space’s own programmes and by signposting wider opportunities. We want the network to reflect the diversity of our sector, and create space for different voices, experiences and perspectives to come together, learning from one another and inspiring new ideas. I wish such a network had existed when I first became freelance.

As someone from a diverse background, I’ve often thought about whose voices get heard, whose stories are funded and whose perspectives shape our cultural landscape. Freelancing has allowed me to work with organisations committed to widening participation, improving accessibility and ensuring the arts reflect the richness of the communities they serve. Representation isn’t simply about who appears on stage or screen.

Successful freelancers don’t simply respond to change; they learn to anticipate it. Sometimes that means developing new skills. Sometimes it means embracing new technology. Sometimes it means stepping into work you hadn’t planned to do because it opens the door to something new

Freelancing isn’t about waiting for opportunities. More often it’s about creating them

Source: www.artsprofessional.co.uk