COMMUNITIES / CONFERENCES / JOB NETWORKS
UK & ireland
CREATIVE UK
The independent network for the UK’s Creative Industries
FREELANCERS MAKE THEATRE WORK
Freelancers Make Theatre Work is a freelancer founded and led community for the 200,000+ self-employed and freelance workers from all areas of theatre, opera, dance and live performance, who make up over 70% of the UK theatre workforce.
INDEPENDANT SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS
The Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) is the UK’s largest representative non-union body for musicians and a nationally recognised association for music. They are financially independent with no political affiliation. Since 1882, have been dedicated to promoting the importance of music and supporting those working in the music profession.
LIVE
LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment) represents the full breadth of the UK’s live music business. As the advocate for UK live music, including over 4,000 businesses, 40,000 artists and 5,000 backstage workers,
LIVE brings the industry’s major trade associations and representative groups together to speak with a single, united voice.
MUSIC FOR MENTAL WEALTH
Music for Mental Wealth is a platform for musicians to share their songs and personal stories. Our ‘Music with Meaning’ concerts feature emerging & established performers sharing their music and opening their hearts about where the inspiration came from. We encourage open conversations around mental health whilst building supportive communities and raising funds to pay performers. Audience members include music industry professionals to help catapult the careers of artists involved.
MUSIC MANAGERS FORUM
The MMF engages, advises and lobbies industry associates and the wider industry on issues that are relevant to managers. They continue to recruit members and grow networks so they can be truly representative of the wider management community.
MUSICIANS UNION (MU)
A community of over 36,000 musicians working to protect members’ rights and campaign for a fairer music industry.
NOWIE
NOWIE empowers women in the events industry by providing a space for the community to thrive with access to mentorship, resources & professional development. NOWIE advocates for equity and representation, ensuring women at all career stages can thrive in a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment, no matter the sector.
PARENTS AND CARERS IN PERFORMING ARTS (PIPA)
Partner with performing arts employers to build inclusive, care-friendly workplaces. Empower parents and carers to stay creative, connected, and in their careers while caring.
PREGNANT THEN SCREWED
Founded on International Women’s Day in 2015, rooted in lived experience and driven by fearless conviction. Challenge the systems that hold mothers back so that everyone who experiences motherhood can work and care without penalty. Campaign for change, offer support and advice, and build community with parents across the UK.
PRODUCTION SERVICES ASSOCIATION
The largest trade asscociation for people and companies involved in live production
THE POWER OF EVENTS
Gender and the Large and Shiny Instruments (GALSI) is an initiative that promotes gender equality for instrumentalists.
PRS
PRS for Music is a world-leading collective management organisation, representing the rights of more than 180,000 members and a repertoire of over 45 million musical works. We collect and pay royalties when a member’s music is played in public, broadcast, downloaded, streamed, or performed live both in the UK and around the world. Our licensing efforts secure revenue streams for music creators.
UK LIVE EVENT FREELANCERS
A group set up to try to bring together industry freelancers, offer helpful advice, and share information to support one another. You don’t have to be a freelancer or even in the UK, but you must have some relevance to join the group. By sharing information on what’s happening it can help one another.
WELLBEING IN THE ARTS
Offers an opportunity to share experiences, ask questions, offer encouragement, and connect with people who understand the unique realities of working in this sector. Members are welcome to participate as much or as little as they wish – some people contribute regularly, while others simply read conversations and stay connected to the community. The group is facilitated by trained counsellors who help ensure the space remains respectful, inclusive and supportive for everyone. They may occasionally guide conversations, share helpful resources, or step in if discussions need to be gently redirected.