Arts Council England launches first-ever Freelancers’ Handbook and Resources Directory

Arts Council England has launched their first-ever Freelancers’ Handbook and Resources Directory – a direct response to what freelancers told them they need in the Cultural Freelancers Study 2024. Accompanying this launch is a summary of the findings from the post publication peer review (PPPR).

A practical guide for cultural freelancers and the organisations they work with, the Freelancers’ Handbook is written by freelancers working across the sector. Covering topics such as contracts, fees, tax, business development and wellbeing, the handbook is shaped by lived experience. Alongside it is the live Resources Directory with links to opportunities, funding, training, events and case studies, made with, by, and for creative and cultural practitioners.

Contributors include Rachel Mapplebeck, writer and co-editor of the Freelancers' Handbook; Leila d’Aronville, founder of North East Freelancers Network and new Freelance Champion for Department of Culture, Media and Sport; Caitriona Shoobridge, creative director in Theatre, Film and Audio; and Dr Furaha Asani, Scholar, Researcher, Writer, and Speaker.

If you have any feedback, you can use the survey or email the Individuals team: Individuals@artscouncil.org.uk

These resources have been created in response to the critical challenges faced by the freelance workforce highlighted in the Cultural Freelancers Study 2024 along with stakeholder contributions to the post publication peer review, now published online.