Welcome to Creative Freedoms Collective
A new community for self-employed people in the visual arts
What is Creative Freedoms Collective?
We’re a community and network for self-employed visual arts professionals. From those who have recently taken the leap, to those who’ve been freelance for decades, we’re open to all.
With so many bright, creative sparks together, we aim to be a one-of-a-kind talent pool for fractional talent, and a hive mind for those looking to act on their entrepreneurial dreams.
What does membership include?
We use the platform Mighty Networks, which brings together all our chats, events and plans in one manageable space (there’s even a handy app to download for when you’re on-the-go). Here are a few of the things you’ll have access to as a member of Creative Freedoms Collective:
In-person networking meet-ups and events
Regular online talks, workshops and classes
A dedicated group chat channel
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Access to upskillling opportunities and advice from specialist experts
Practical: Tax and finances, personal brand-building, networking
Wellbeing: yoga, breathwork and advice on finding freelance life-work balance
Monthly newsletter with news, tips and member spotlights
Self-employment resources, guides and advice
Access to a diverse UK and international community
Access to potential briefs and opportunities
Bespoke, personalised and relevant introductions and connections
The chance to be part of a much needed supportive new community and help build a new ecosystem
Memberships can be purchased monthly or annually, and we also invite members to offer one hour per month to support the growth of our burgeoning community.
What about corporate membership and sponsorship?
Direct access to a verified freelance talent pool
Bespoke advice on projects and freelancer team building
Houserules:
Please be kind! We want to build a positive and uplifting space where people feel supported in sharing their thoughts and ideas so please keep your messages friendly, avoid inappropriate and rude language, respect other peoples’ opinions and report inappropriate posts when necessary
Please be generous with your time! But it’s OK to recognise and raise when things might drift beyond friendly help and advice into free consultancy
Communities don’t make themselves! If you’re a member then please maintain regular interaction and contributions on the Mighty platform. We ask that each member gives an hour of their time a month to the network, which can be through running a talk or event, helping to build and share the network, or through call outs and support in the member projects and Tit for Tat sections
Meet the Team:
David Field
Cultural Communications Strategist & Business Development Consultant
Dave has been working in communications in the cultural sector for almost 20 years, first in-house, then agency. In 2019 (perfectly timed for a global pandemic and shutdown), he launched a boutique communications consultancy to work with art businesses in Europe, the Gulf and Korea. Since then he’s worked with a range of organisations, including art fairs, publishers and galleries, on long-term strategies for their brands. The idea for Creative Freedoms was probably born over several martinis—the details are a little hazy.
Aimee Dawson
Freelance Art Writer & Editor
Aimee is an arts writer and editor who recently made the move back home to Norfolk. A former editor at The Art Newspaper in London, Aimee still contributes to the publication with her monthly column, Insta’gratification, where she explores the curious intersection of art and social media. She also co-produced the award-winning The Week in Art podcast and now shares her expertise as a Guest Lecturer at SOAS, University of London. When she’s not writing or lecturing, you’ll likely find her spamming Instagram with photos of her Cavachon fur baby, Flora, or moaning about her 90s-nightmare house reno project.
Ann-Marie Ekuban
Art & Cultural Communications Consultant
Despite an early interest in the visual and performing arts, Ann-Marie had no intention of working in the art industry. Nor did she expect to be a socially-isolated, digital-first university student, sent back home in year one due to a pandemic. Or, for her first year post-grad to end in self-employment. Leading with a focus on emerging market activity, innovation and cross-cultural engagement, Ann-Marie began her career interning at an auction house press office and has since worked independently across the art and cultural industries. She has developed bespoke, transnational communications solutions, for businesses ranging from global art fairs to independent brand strategists. A firm believer in learning by experience (and by all means, pivoting). So far, nurturing a budding career and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship has been a mostly-fun mix of serendipity, incredibly steep learning curves and faith.
Chloë Fairbairn
Freelance Executive Assistant & Operations Manager
Chloë is the behind-the-scenes powerhouse making creative chaos run like clockwork. With a background that spans arts, fashion, finance, and beer (yes, really), she builds beautiful systems that help ideas flow and freelancers thrive. Whether she’s wrangling a project plan in Notion, finessing client communications, or brewing up big-picture strategies, Chloë brings calm, clarity, and just the right amount of magic to teams. She’s also a qualified yoga teacher and breathwork facilitator—so she knows a thing or two about balance (in life as well as spreadsheets). At Creative Freedoms, Chloë is the glue that keeps the collective running smoothly and dreaming boldly.
