The Freelance Kitchen is a space for collaboration, support and peer mentoring for women & non-binary people working in the arts and creative industries.

Ultimately the needs and offerings of this group will be shaped and co-designed by those in it so it can end up taking a variety of forms but we envision a confidential and productive space where members can:

• be signposted or endorsed for opportunities

• through the harnessing of collective experience, share and receive practical support for any current and aspirational projects

• express their work gripes and professional challenges.

This initiative is for:

• women/NB people aged 18+ (no upper age limit)

• those belonging to the Global Majority & from a working class background

• London based freelancers

• individuals with 1-5 (or more!) years work experience in the arts/ creative industry

• no formal education required

• career changers & self starters welcome

• ideally commit 2 hours per month in order to really build community, but drop in attendees also welcome

• in person monthly meetings

Working as a freelancer can be tough especially with limited social capital, which we know all too well is vital for a thriving career in the sector. It can also be an isolating experience, and as ethnically minoritised people there are often additional challenges that need to be navigated on top of all of that.

This dedicated support system will allow access for those who may not have the appropriate contacts or network to a consistent, meaningful and uplifting space where needs, issues and ideas can be identified, addressed and nurtured, enabling growth for the individual and creative community alike.

There are countless resources & programmes available online, as well as one off networking events, talks and forums. While we do appreciate the value of all of these things and often make use of them ourselves, they fall short in that they don't provide consistent or tailored support putting the onus on the individual to figure everything out for themselves (not easy!) They also maintain an expert vs audience dynamic which can be inspirational but is not always empowering.

In contrast, our space attempts to utilise an alternative model that champions lived experience and active collective sharing that centers the idea that everyone has something of value to offer regardless of what stage they may be at in their career.

Global Majority includes those with African, Caribbean, South, East & West Asian (inc “Middle Eastern”) and Latinx hertiage. Our definition also includes those with dual heritage or mixed race identities as well as Black Americans and those indigenous to the Global South.

Please email us thefreelancekitchen@gmail.com with your preferred method and we will accommodate you!

1. All potential members will have to apply online and only vetted applicants whose identity we are sure of will be welcomed into the group.

2. Meeting date, time and location will never be publicised online and members will be emailed this info privately.