'We need a cultural economy that sustains, values and gives choices to those embarking on a career in the arts, no matter where they live in the UK. Otherwise acquiring or enjoying specialisms will become the preserve of an elite.' - Shobana Jeyasingh, choreographer #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

'...freelancers subsidise them via low wages, poor conditions and working thousands of unpaid hours.' - Lyn Gardner- theatre critic and associate editor of The Stage. Read more here: www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/for-... #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

🔎 Culture and Place Data Explorer @ace_national's interactive tool lets you map cultural and creative investments alongside 200+ data indicators, offering deeper insights into people and places across the UK. Explore more here: www.artscouncil.org.uk/your-area/cu...

Culture and Place Data Explorer

You can use the Culture and Place Data Explorer to access a wide range of place data throughout England.

artscouncil.org.uk

Scottish theatre sector facing ‘pivotal moment’ due to funding pressures, report warns. Via @ArtsPro 👉 www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/scottis...

Scottish theatre sector facing 'pivotal moment' due to funding pressures, report warns - Arts Professional

Scotland's theatre ecology is under "acute strain" following "years of cumulative financial pressure", a new report has claimed.

artsprofessional.co.uk

Applications have opened for 'Midscale 2026', a new national marketplace designed to bring together venues, producers and partners to strengthen midscale theatre touring across the UK. Find out more here: localtheatretouringalliance.com #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

"Undergraduate arts training provides the essential foundation for rewarding careers across the creative industries. A passion for the arts, & the opportunity to turn that passion into a career, is a powerful motivation that can’t be measured by salary alone." 👉 www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/reas...

Menopause and Perimenopause Hub for arts freelancers. Practical support, self-advocacy tips, rights signposting, inclusive resources, guidance for organisations, and more. You are not alone. Explore the hub: freelancersmaketheatrework.com/menopause/ #MenopauseSupport

The disabled dance sector is thriving in many ways – with artists and companies pushing to make work of scale and take up bigger spaces. But Kate Wyver investigates for The Stage how this is all under threat. www.thestage.co.uk/long-reads/d... #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #AccessToWork

'We are buckling under the weight of immense pressure. How much longer can we hold on? And will the government take action before it is too late?' - Royal Central School of Speech and Drama principal Josette Bushell-Mingo in The Stage discussing how our arts training bodies being 'on the brink.'

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...

Help build a clearer picture of UK drama school training! The Stage’s 2026 Drama School Survey gathers views from current students, recent grads, creatives & industry leaders. Fill it here: form.jotform.com/261302831282... #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

Government proposals threaten to quash arts degrees says Katie Normington, vice-chancellor and chief executive of De Montfort University, Leicester. 👉 www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/reas... #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

Due to the nature of freelance employment & lack of a sector specific tax code, it is impossible to collect much data. When a freelancer goes out of business they do so so quietly that unless you’re really listening, you won’t hear a thing. #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

"Over the past two decades the power – and the money – has shifted from producers to theatre owners and ticketing operators. That is where the big profits are being made." - Alistair Smith, The Stage #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #WeAreCreative #Freelancers #Freelancer #Culture #Arts #ArtsAndCulture

For the first time in more than 20 years, the public is being asked to help shape how National Lottery funding for good causes is spent. We need to make our voices heard. Read why this matters: buff.ly/i8XwqTU Cconsultation: buff.ly/IXs0Fqy #ArtsFunding #NationalLottery #CultureMatters

"The arts are not a luxury that we can turn to when everything else is settled. They are where we learn to be citizens. Where we learn to imagine lives that are not our own." David Joseph (from the book Made in England: Art and Culture in Changing Times). #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

'Take away the freelancers and the funded buildings and organisations would still exist, but where would be the art to put upon their stages?' - Lyn Gardner in @TheStage www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/its-... #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

"Culture shapes politics, not the other way around, and as the climate space becomes increasingly contested, the arts have a serious job to do in making a case that should be obvious" - Freelance theatre consultant and writer Amber Massie-Blomfield #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #ClimateChange

“The culture war is upon us with racism perpetrated by right wing politicians, pressure groups and monetising social media manipulators determined to discredit our pressence on the UK’s stages and screens” Daniel York Loh - Actor and Chair of Equity’s Race Equality Committee

The Arts and the Climate Crisis Climate change affects us all and the arts can play a powerful role in creating a sustainable future. Explore our Climate Crisis Resources pages where you will find: Explore the resources on our website now here: freelancersmaketheatrework.com/climatecrisis/

The government has confirmed that performing and creative arts courses in England will no longer receive support through the Strategic Priorities Grant from 2026/27. What could this mean for access, training & the future of the freelance workforce? freelancersmaketheatrework.com/cutting-crea...

"Without the arts, what are we for? Everyone is happier and more enriched emotionally and intellectually when they have access to creative activity and entertainment. A career in the arts should be for anyone." - Freelance Dramaturg and facilitator Emily LeQuesne #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

Theatres should implement front-of-house protocols to deal with racist behaviour from audience members, performers at the Equity conference agreed. Read more: www.thestage.co.uk/news/front-o... #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #Equity

"affordability is a huge factor in breaking into the industry. Unless you're being supported by family or some independent funding there’s absolutely no way you’d go into a creative industry career now. It’s really, really dire.” - The quote is credited to Reema Selhi,

Help build a clearer picture of UK drama school training! The Stage’s 2026 Drama School Survey gathers views from current students, recent grads, creatives & industry leaders. Fill it here: form.jotform.com/261302831282... #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

For the first time in more than 20 years, the public is being asked to help shape how National Lottery funding for good causes is spent. We need to make our voices heard. Read why this matters: buff.ly/i8XwqTU Cconsultation: buff.ly/IXs0Fqy #ArtsFunding #NationalLottery #CultureMatters

💡 Need EU work advice? Our Working in Europe guide covers visas, taxes, and more. Visit: freelancersmaketheatrework.com/working-in-europe. #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

Working In Europe - Freelancers make theatre work

The FMTW Working in Europe Hub where you will find recent news, updates, advice, support, lobbying information and more.

freelancersmaketheatrework.com

“More and more of our talented colleagues [are becoming] collateral damage to an industry that cannot properly sustain parents or carers.” - Alistair Buchan, Freelance Performer. Speaking at the Equity annual conference. #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #ParentsAndCarersInPerformingArts #PiPA

Scottish theatre sector facing ‘pivotal moment’ due to funding pressures, report warns. Via @ArtsPro 👉 www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/scottis...

Scottish theatre sector facing 'pivotal moment' due to funding pressures, report warns - Arts Professional

Scotland's theatre ecology is under "acute strain" following "years of cumulative financial pressure", a new report has claimed.

artsprofessional.co.uk

"All future artists, actors, directors, writers are sitting in school right now. Find them. And make sure drama, music and the arts are funded, supported and celebrated in every school in the land." -Russell T Davies, screenwriter. #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork #WeAreCreative #ArtsAndCulture