Freelancing in the Culture Sector

This 1.5 hour session will look at freelancing in the cultural sector and is aimed at those who are freelance curious or are at the early stages of their freelance careers.  

• Overview of freelancing in the sector, including why clients commission freelancers, who the clients are, common types of freelance work and growth areas.  

• Six steps to consider when starting out or considering taking the plunge.  

• Day rates and knowing what to charge.  

• Where and how to find work.  

• Marketing and promoting yourself, identifying your Unique Selling Point.  

Given there may be some sensitivities around interest in freelancing from participants who may know each other, we are happy for participants to join with cameras off. However, there will be opportunities for participants to contribute if they wish.

About the Facilitator: 

Christina Lister is a freelance consultant, trainer and facilitator working in the heritage and culture sectors with 20 years’ experience working in agency and in-house positions, and as a consultant.

Her clients have included larger organisations such as the Science Museum Group, Empire Cinemas and Museum of London; sector support and development organisations such as the Association of Independent Museums and the Arts Marketing Association; and independent and smaller organisations including Jane Austen’s House, the Museum of Cambridge, American Library, Babylon ARTS and Norwich Historic Churches Trust. A former IPSE Freelancer of the Year runner-up, Christina has authored the book Marketing Strategy for Museums, to be published by Routledge in December 2023.  

For six years Christina also co-ran Museum Freelance, supporting and championing freelancers and consultants working with museums, galleries, heritage sites, archives and libraries in the UK. This involved building a network of over 2,000 freelancers; organising conferences and delivering training courses; securing and distributing hardship grants to support freelancers during the Covid-19 pandemic; and undertaking lobbying and advocacy work, including the first comprehensive survey about freelancers in the sector, which was mentioned in the House of Lords. Christina also represented freelancers at sector-wide UK Workforce Group meetings, set up to support the sector during the pandemic and strengthen the sector’s diversity and inclusion work