A GUIDE TO BEST PRACTICE FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF FREELANCE WORKERS
The following document is an agreement between Turtle Key Arts, their collaborating companies and artists*, and freelance workers, setting out a series of actions and practices to be implemented with a view to improving access to work, representation, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing within the Turtle Key Arts freelance workforce. A commitment to ensuring optimum working conditions for freelancers to do their best work and continue to grow as professionals whilst working with Turtle Key Arts and their collaborating companies and artists.
A promise to listen and act. Turtle Key Arts and their collaborators want to hear from freelance artists within the Industry about the challenges faced. We understand that freelancers hold much of today’s cultural landscape together. We want to ensure over time that freelancers can thrive, but know there is some way to go. We are committed to support this cause through lobbying opportunities whenever possible
Below is a summary of the areas participating companies have agreed to implement best practice protocols:
COMMITMENT TO PAY PLEDGE
We commit to a minimum rate of pay for freelance artists which will be revised annually.
READ MORE: Freelancer Pay Pledge Rates for 2024 - 2025
SUPPORT WELLBEING
We commit to support freelancers’ wellbeing and mental health.
WORKING CONDITIONS
We promise to listen to and, wherever possible, act upon your concerns.
ACCESS, EQUALITY & INCLUSION
We are committed to access, equality & inclusion.
READ MORE: Fair pay, flexible hours, support, accessible working environment - ensure barriers to inclusion are removed.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
A commitment to share skills and training opportunities.
Turtle Key Arts and its collaborating companies and artists acknowledge that this is only a first step in a long journey for freelancers within the industry. This manifesto is a statement of intent. We know there is more work to be done and we look forward to continuing the conversation with freelancers to create a more ‘freelance-friendly’ and inclusive working environment going forward.
Freelancers should be advised that this is an ongoing document and that some of the issues raised will require actions beyond the capacities and capabilities of Turtle Key Arts and collaborating companies and artists.
* The Turtle Key Arts collaborating companies and artists are: AIK Productions, Amici Dance Theatre Company, Hassan Abdulrassak, Ockham’s Razor, Oddly Moving, Open Sky and Sadiq Ali.
YOU CAN DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE FULL DOCUMENT HERE
