Challenges faced by creative freelancers highlighted in new report

The reality of the many challenges faced by freelancers in the creative and cultural industry are highlighted in a new report by University of Essex researchers.

Commissioned by Arts Council England, the report is the first of its kind to build a comprehensive picture of the working conditions and experiences of freelancers working across all artforms supported by the Arts Council - music, theatre, dance, visual arts, literature, libraries, combined arts and museums.

Academics from Essex Business School and East 15 Acting School joined forces to compile the report which involved a survey or more than 5,000 freelancers, as well as interviews and focus groups.

The report is part of Arts Council England’s commitment to increasing support for creative and cultural freelancers and will inform its understanding of freelancers’ experience of working in the sector, enabling it to work with key stakeholders across the sector to respond to the issues raised.

"We really wanted to use this project to give freelancers a voice,” said the project leader Professor Melissa Tyler, from Essex Business School. “Freelancers are the heart and soul of the UK's creative and cultural sector. Collaborating with Arts Council England on this study was a fantastic opportunity for us to contribute to evidence-based decision making and strategic planning designed to make sure that the future of the sector is as accessible, sustainable and equitable as possible.

“Ensuring that freelancers' voices are heard is vital to this, and this study has added to the important body of research in the field pointing to the urgent need for evidence-based action to support freelancers and the sector going forwards."

Among the issues the report highlighted were the complex financial challenges that freelancers face, the difficulties associated with being a working freelance parent/carer in the sector, and the lack of access to supportive infrastructures that other employees benefit from.

Professor Tyler, was joined on the project by Professor Philip Hancock from Essex Business School, and Professor Rosemary Klich and Professor Holly Maples from East 15 Acting School.

In a blog about the report, the Chief Executive of Arts Council England, Darren Henley said: “The data from this study allows us to compare and contrast between different disciplines, demographics, and locations, helping us to better understand and respond to the varying challenges face by freelancers. This in turn will guide how we work with and for individual practitioners in the future.”

He added: “Yet while the challenges are real, it’s important to recognise the positives that come with freelancing in the cultural sector: the flexibility, autonomy and freedom to create; the opportunity to work with other creative and cultural practitioners; and the option to structure work around personal commitments.”

Read the full blog on the Arts Council England website.