Bev Broadhead, lead for Artists Union England – Suffolk and Norfolk branch, gave a talk at Outpost Studios on Saturday, 28th January 2023 on the Good Practice Charter, a ‘set of principles that cover freelance artists’ working conditions. The principles include H&S, valuing and rewarding artists, workers collective voice, equality & diversity, social responsibility and mental health.’ (Artists Union England).
I shared working examples of commissions that I’ve developed, or received, where I’ve used the Good Practice Rates of Pay Guidelines, which is actively encouraged by Arts Council England. These commissions include: developing an Artist Brief with Holt Town Council for the Holt Fairy Door Trail; developing an Artist Brief for Cary’s Meadow Fairy Door Trail; plus other commissions that have worked on since becoming an AUE member in 2021.
Staff I met with were really receptive to the Guidelines, which act as a fantastic starting point for discussion. You can adapt them to include artists who are not trained by applying the scale for equivalent years of experience.
I also mentioned how I’ve found AUE supportive when discussing safety for women artists when working and travelling late at night across the UK, with commissioners. What can we do to embed safe travel into the commissioning process, for artists as well as employees?
Was excellent to see this fantastic studio space again, home to 80 artists, in Anglia Square, Norwich. Thanks to Bev and AUE for all their huge support, to artists.
Useful Links
Learn about Rates of Pay Guidelines for artists here.
Read the Good Practice Charter here.
Discover more about Outpost Studios here.
(Bev Broadhead, below).
