ARTISTS RESOURCES
Hungry for artistic opportunities but don’t know where to start? Check out our detailed list of Artist Resources where you can find information on hot topics like opportunities, free or cheap theatre tools, spaces to work and health services for artists.
+ PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
ALL ARTISTS
BAPAM-free regional clinics, online resources on arts-related health issues, health education and training workshops available for artist practitioners, subscribe to newsletter
ArtsMinds-lists multiple organizations to contact, which assist with various mental and physical health issues
Artists’ Union England mental health and wellbeing online resources-organizations and initiatives (national and by region)
Mind Organization-Booklets on mental health (print/read online for free)
Shelter-helps people struggling with bad housing or homelessness with face-to-face service, online advice, legal support and national helpline
The Mix-support service for under 25s, via online, social or confidential helpline (abortion, loneliness, young carer, homelessness, counselling politics)
Samaritans Organization-Service to prevent suicide-help provided via person, phone, email, letter, find a branch
DrugRehab-resources, and treatment for people battling addiction and related conditions.
Our Parks-join for free, and attend free group exercise classes led by professional instructors
Free gym passes, bootcamps, cheap classes/memberships
SPECIFIC ARTISTS
Love Music Help Musicians UK-help with musicians in crisis, musicians’ hearing, long-term illness and bereavement, retirement, music student health scheme, mental health
Music Minds Matter-help, support and opportunities for musicians dealing with crisis, long-term illness or disability, managing in older age
National Institute of Dance, Medicine and Science-dance-specific physical and mental health care and support services in private practice and NHS that is high quality, accessible and affordable
Theatre Helpline-24 hour confidential service providing advice and support for any theatre professional
Clean Break-free specialist theatre programmes for women (17 years +) who have lived experience of the criminal justice system/are at risk of offending due to drug, alcohol or mental health issues
Jacksons Lane Theatre-Women Rise 3-year theatre project for women (55+ years) to reduce isolation, increase mental and physical wellbeing through workshops about domestic violence, in sheltered housing schemes and community spaces across Haringey, as well as other opportunities
Click here to access a list of charities that assist artists in the performing arts sector
GENERAL SUPPORT/ADVICE
Equity-advice for people working in UK entertainment industry, on terms and conditions, pay rates etc.
Dancers Career Development-support for dancers to successfully transition into alternative careers after retiring from professional performance
Arts Admin-free one-to-one advice service to UK-based artists working in contemporary performance, at any stage of their career, to talk about anything from artistic ideas and project development to funding and contexts for your work.
Parents and Carers in Performing Arts-support for parents and carers in the performing arts sector
Mothers Who Make-peer support network for mothers who are artists across all arts
Raising Films-support people, particularly women in film and television industry who want to have a family and continue their careers
Wildcard Theatre-fortnightly drop-in sessions with the team to share your concerns and receive advice Email: artistdevelopment@wildcardtheatre.co.uk
ARTICLES
“The Myth of the Suffering Artist”
Dance for health and wellbeing
More articles found on Muddy Colours and Dark Yellow Dot
+ INCLUSIVE ARTS
BAME
Words of Colour Productions-creative communications agency that promotes, facilitates and develops writers of colour (of all genres), collaborates with arts industries to increase cultural inclusion
Marsm-uniting Arabs across the UK to listen to new sounds and fresh perspectives through the combination of politics with art and challenging mainstream production
Psychedelight Theatre-free Together workshops every other Sunday for refugees and UK people to meet and engage in drama, painting, music etc. so as to facilitate refugees’ integration into the local community
DISABLED/SPECIAL NEEDS
Kiln Theatre-booking tickets with access requirements, getting to and around Kiln theatre, wheelchair spaces, assistant dogs, audio described/captioned/relaxed performances, touch tours, subtitled cinema screenings
Battersea Arts Centre-concession tickets for disabled people, wheelchair accessible, relaxed performances, sensory-adapted performances, and accessible performance: BSL interpreted/captioned/audio described
Theatre Deli-concession tickets, accessible area, disability trained staff
The Poetry Café-vegetarian café and performance venue that has a lift between ground floor and basement, an accessible toilet and a hearing induction loop
Access All Areas-shows, programmes, education and jobs for learning diabled and autistic artists and people
Access All Areas-4 different drama workshop programmes and a performance making diploma course that teach drama skills
Arts Council Transforming Leadership Programme-career development programme and coaching for potential learning disabled leaders
Graeae Theatre-training and new-writing programmes for disabled and D/deaf artists as well as for people who want to make theatre more accessible and inclusive
Disability Arts Online and Graeae Theatre-The Disability And...Podcast
THE ELDERLY/RETIRED
Jacksons Lane Theatre-Women Rise 3-year project for women (55+ years) to reduce isolation, increase mental and physical wellbeing through workshops about domestic violence, in sheltered housing schemes and community spaces across Haringey, as well as other opportunities
Southwark Playhouse-Elders Company (65 years +) provides free weekly drama sessions with workshop activities, games and devising for productions.
To join Southwark Elders Company, contact David Workman on 0207 407 0234 or david.workman@southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
PARENTS & CARERS
Prams in the Hall-offers watch-with-baby shows, matinees that fit in ‘school run’, evening performances scheduled to suit parents with children at home
Raising Films-support people, particularly women in film and television industry who want to have a family and continue their careers
Procreate Project-supports people who make, research, study, teach, produce, care, write about maternal experiences or do all the above while mothering
AFFORDABILITY
Southwark Playhouse-Pay-As-You-Go Subscription of 60 pounds for 5 tickets (no time limit or expiration date!)
Thrifty Theatre-Top 10 Tips on Getting Cheap Theatre Tickets!
Get Last Minute Theatre Tickets for Broadway shows
Get Discounted Tickets for Broadway shows
PRISONERS/EX OFFENDERS/YOUTH AT RISK
Clean Break-women’s theatre company for and about women in prison
+ FUNDING
ALL ARTISTS
Roundhouse Theatre-Financial support-transport, childcare, hire, art
Culture Seeds-Social engagement-all types of arts
Cultural Impact Development Fund-Specific social engagement-all types of art
Arts Impact Fund-Some social engagement-all types of art
SPECIFIC ARTISTS
Music For All-Individual grant/Community Project Funding
Love Music Help Musicians UK-musician opportunites, grants/funding, award applications for emerging artists, advice for funding applications
Click here to access a list of music-related grants & schemes
Dance Professionals Fund-help for living costs, crisis, medical costs, retirement, maintenance bursaries, living overseas
a-n Artist Bursaries 2020-self-determined professional development in visual art
BFI Short Form Animation Funding
Emergence Programme-12 month programme for visual artists facing disabling barriers
BUSINESS
Bright Ideas Fund-Local community business ideas
The Leatherseller’s Company-Student Grants Scheme-for students in extreme financial need, particularly with limited family support networks, care leavers and refugees, to support them in their studies for the career they want
+ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
GENERAL PROGRAMMES
One Dance UK-professional development programs for dancers
Roundhouse Theatre-Resident Artist programme to develop outstanding emerging artsts as they transition into the creative industries
The Actors Centre-workshop programs and one-off courses for theatre-related fields + Membership deals
Ovalhouse Theatre-First Bites Programme for artists to showcase a new piece of work-in-development, even if it is unfinished
Prams in the Hall-workshops for adults and mothers, on theatre skills, performance and devising
Southwark Playhouse-The People’s Company (25 years +) for local people in the Southwark community to explore acting, directing, writing, lighting and sound
Southwark Playhouse-volunteer stewarding and get many perks in return, including discounts at bar, watch plays for free etc.
Clean Break-training programmes and events related to women in prison, criminal justice, risk of offending
Words of Colour Productions-training and services in web design, branding, film, photography, communications, contract publishing, professional development, for creatives of colour
Words of Colour Productions, The Creative Wellbeing Hub-professional, personal, entrepreneurial and creative development tools and activities suited for minority voices
Dark Yellow Dot-fun and relaxed artsy workshops
Access All Areas-4 different drama workshop programmes and a performance making diploma course for adults with various learning disabilities and autism
Arts Council Transforming Leadership Programme-career development programme and coaching in partnership with Access All Areas, for potential learning disabled leaders
Graeae Theatre, Graeae Ensemble-training young D/deaf and disabled people who are passionate about theatre
Graeae Theatre, New Writing opportunities
Graeae Theatre, Creative Access-training artists and people to make theatre more accessible and inclusive in all arts
Graeae Theatre, Dare You-training to develop key skills for inclusive leadership
YOUNG PEOPLE
East Side Educational Trust-workshops on Black History, African story-telling and music
Battersea Arts Centre-Young Producers programme
Battersea Arts Centre-Homegrown Company for 16-25 years
Almedia Theatre-free courses/one-off talks/courses for young people under 25 years
Southwark Playhouse Theatre-Young Company programme (14-25 years living or studying in Southwark) provides free weekly workshops that work towards professionally supported performances
Kiln Theatre, Young Company (18-25 years) for North West London community to train and perform a show, FREE OF CHARGE, fully accessible, no experience required. Sign up here.
Kiln Theatre, Education and Pathways-theatre studies, English, ESOL training with schools, colleges, universities, work placements and volunteering opportunities for school, college and university students
Graeae Theatre-Young Company and The Rollettes that run productions and workshops led by the ideas of young company
ONLINE RESOURCES
East Side Educational Trust-FREE online resources for beginner and experienced poets
Artist Residency in Motherhood (ARIM)-online resources for residency kit
Supporting Theatre Artists and Makers of Performance (STAMP)-Marketing for Cash and time-poor artists and How to Tour your Work
Dark Yellow Dot-sign up with Skillsshare and get FREE one month trial of unlimited online classes on freelance work, launching your career, social media for creatives, developing your art skills
Dark Yellow Dot BLOGS-tips, interviews, creative writing, articles, recommended books to read. Some of our faves are How To Make Time for Art When You Have No Time and What to Put On Your Artist CV When You Don’t Have Much Experience
Theatre Craft-resources for artists who prefer non-acting theatre jobs
Get Into Theatre-online theatre website with opportunities, information, advice, workshops, scholarships etc for creatives
Demystifying Access: A Resource Pack for the Performing Arts
Chech out other useful resource packs like Unlimited and Shape Arts that provide a range of online information
+ NETWORKING
BUT FIRST, TIPS FOR PEOPLE WHO HATE NETWORKING!
How to Network When You’re Shy
Totally Easy Networking Tips for Artists and Creators
Questions About the Art World I’m Too Embarrassed to Ask
WEBSITES/NEWSLETTERS
Roundhouse Young People-membership for discounted tickets, access to advice, networking, staff, opportunities
Parents and Carers in Performing Arts-support for parents and carers in the performing arts sector
One Dance UK-website with upcoming events for dance networking
Rich Mix-Different types of membership packages to receive discounted tickets, free events, workshops
The Barbican-free Young Barbican membership (14-25 years) to get discounted tickets to art, entertainment, programmes, workshops, networking events, free things to do, all arts, workshops, experience
The Young Vic-free sign up for Young People mailing list to gain experience, workshops, networking events, free tickets to Young Vic shows
Almedia-free sign up for Almedia Young People mailing list to get discounted tickets, Almedia For Free, get involved
The Poetry Café, Memberships (including youth membership) starting from 23 pounds per year for newsletters, events, competitions, advice, offers and discounts
The Poetry Café, Young Poets Network-space for up-and-coming young poets to meet and share work, tickets are always free
Kiln Theatre-for under 26 years, sign up to mailing list and get very cheap deals for plays and theatre screenings, invitations to Q&As and workshops
Get Into Theatre-training, funding, experience, jobs
The Stage-news, reviews, features, advice, awards, tickets
FORUMS/SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES
International Open Call for Artists (Facebook group)- resource for artists and organisers to share residency programs, workshops, competitions, exhibitions, projects and the likes
Bossy (Facebook group)- Feminist forum for women and non binary people in film/theatre/performing arts
Hackney Wick Creatives (Facebook group)-network page for Hackney Wick artist community to advertise art jobs, sell items related to creativity
The Black Love Project-Black Love Bytes podcasts on the British black experience in love, dating, sex, relationships, parenting based on interviews
Disability Arts Online and Graeae Theatre-The Disability And...Podcast
Mothers Who Make-peer support network for mothers who are artists across all arts
EVENTS
Ovalhouse Theatre-#Connect event twice a year for free, relaxed and informal, a chance for artists to meet and mix
Battersea Arts Centre-Collaborative Touring Network: partnership between BAC and 8 national partners every Spring and Autumn to produce home-grown talent, music, workshops and feasts
Jacksons Lane Theatre-Women Rise 3-year project for women (55+ years) to reduce isolation, increase mental and physical wellbeing through workshops about domestic violence, in sheltered housing schemes and community spaces across Haringey, as well as other opportunities
Southwark Playhouse-Join a Reading Group every Thursday to read a story together and discuss it over a hot drink
Theatre Deli-daily events to sign up for eg. Exhibitions, plays, busking etc., some free, some charge cheap tickets
Work and Play Scrapstore-Artful Reuse for community artists to run artful reuse festival, ‘Hazelfest’ each year at Wandsworth Arts Fringe for our local estate community in Wandsworth
Kiln Theatre, Town Hall Talks-panel discussions which provoke the themes of Kiln theatre work on stage (visit page below for more info)
Kiln Theatre, A Friendly Society-coffee mornings every last Tuesday of the month starting 11am, to chat, play board games
Kiln Theatre, Kiln Choir-term starts 28 october, 5.30-7pm for intergenerational choir, no experience required!
To join Kiln Theatre programmes, email getinvolved@kilntheatre.com or call 020 7372 6611
Disability Arts Online-Dated events for networking (including events related to disability art)
Theatre Craft-annual careers event, for artists and creatives to network while approaching theatre companies set up in the space
EMERGING ARTISTS-CHECK THEM OUT!
Jack Pepper-writer, reporter, reviewer
Voicebox CIC-community interest company that works with young people (male and female) across London to explore cultural expectations of what it means to be a man today
Marsm-uniting Arabs across the UK to listen to new sounds and fresh perspectives through the combination of politics with art and challenging mainstream production
Dark Yellow Dot-website showcasing exhibiitons and work put up by emerging artists
Associate Artists at Ovalhouse Theatre creating work about/with Sex Work communities, early career female writers and theatre makers, and childhood and adulthood
+ FREELANCE-FRIENDLY CAFES
Looking for an artist-friendly cafe that has wifi, power sockets and large tables for laptops, comfy seating, quiet spaces and a cozy atmosphere? Here are our top picks:
Coal Rooms-café in the front and restaurant at the back, attached to Peckham Rye station, open at 6.30am, so you can dash in and out with ease
The Pigeon Hole café-Decorated with books, mismatched chairs and artsy designs, classic café food, delicious cakes. Feel at home at once.
Martello Hall-Pizzeria/bar, first-floor daytime lounge with bottomless coffee and fast wifi for 10 pounds, what more could you ask for?
The Poetry Cafe-Independent vegetarian café, quiet place to write and buzzing performance venue. A must visit!
Greenspears-Very cozy, fast wifi, 2 floors, healthy and tasty menu options to keep your brain running
Some of the best cafes are listed in the articles below:
Backstage-The Best Theatre Cafes in London for Workign and Networking
Dinghy-Best Cafes to Work From in London
The Freelancer by Contently-The 10 Best Coffee Shops for Freelancers: London Edition
The Nudge-Where to Work in London as a Freelancer
+ VENUE HIRE
PRIVATE SPACE
Rehearsal, performance, workshop, audition, photoshoots, filming, recording
Artist Studio Finder-search for studios by size, price and location across London and Kent
Artist Hive Studios-affordable studios and desk spaces for visual artists
The Hope Theatre-reduced price rehearsal space, performance space with no hire charges but box office split
Bridewell Theatre-community, small, medium and large rooms, enquire for information on hire charges. More details here.
The Space- rehearsal hire for 9m x 9m room at only 18 pounds/hour!
Tower Hamlets Community Centre-Kobi Nazrul Centre and Brady Arts and Community Centre provide spaces with different sized rooms and timings, for affordable hourly rates
The Peel-dance studio for 25 pounds/hour, discount for long-term booking
Big Wheel Theatre-rehearsal space from 15 pounds/hour!
Ovalhouse Theatre-rehearsal spaces for 70 pounds (4 hours) or pay by the hour!
Wildcard Theatre-super cheap studios for artists and creatives in dire need of subsidized space
Academy Studios-super affordable spaces, different sizes
Theatre Deli-affordable rehearsal spaces and Venue spaces
Mother House Studios-studios with integrated childcare
Jacksons Lane-performance, rehearsals, auditions, films, photo shoots, courses at affordable rates
Roundhouse Theatre-hire studios, new media lab, large and small spaces, recording studios, radio studios
Southwark Playhouse-Rehearsal spaces and Sunday one-off hires vailable (also for workshops, auditions, seated meetings, readings, presentations, price differs for commercial companies and charities/non-profit companies)
Clean Break-rehearsal and photography studios for hire
Supporting Theatre Artists and Makers of Performance (STAMP)-venues and organisations that support and produce new theatre and performance work
Graeae Theatre-expensive but provides a range of accessible studios, facilities and equipment for disabled artists
WORKSPACE/MEETING SPACE
Shared spaces to work, discuss and network
Camden Collective-free workspaces in vacant buildings
DIY Space For London-join membership for 2 pounds/year and book spaces for meetings/workshops at minimal fees quoted
Theatre Deli-creative desk space, friendly staff and a cozy cafe/bar
Wildcard Theatre-Book Room 9 morning or afternoon session for any day up to one week in advance, free of charge
Battersea Arts Centre-Scratch Hub Co-working: workspace for creative, entrepreneurs, social enterprises, freelancers, and small businesses to share skills, exchange feedback and spark new connections
Roundhouse Theatre-workspace for young entrepreneurs
Clean Break-Meeting room for hire
+ MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT
SET MATERIALS
Set Swap Cycle-public Facebook page
Free Set Exchange online
Free Cycle Network-free membership, give and get things for free, network divided into cities and boroughs for people in the UK to search for a specific branch
Click here to access The Stage's list of services available for set, scenery and props
COSTUMES
Betsy’s Closet Swap Shop-follow their Facebook page and get updates about swap shop events
Traid-charity shop to get and donate clothes
Depop-discover, buy and sell clothes, accessories and shoes at very cheap prices
Nobody’s Child-the most on-trend pieces at the lowest possible prices, with UNiDAYS student discount
International Dance Supplies-quality costume and dancewear at affordable prices
DanceWear Web-discount dance wear shops and manufacturers
Still not satisfied? Check out what Time Out loves about London’s best swap shops and thrift shops
EQUIPMENT
Central Theatre Supplies-theatre lighting, sound, staging, drapes, seating, effects, pyrotechnics, make up on a budget
ShopWL- UK online entertainment technology store with clearance sales, used items sales and discounted offers
Work and Play Scrapstore-charity with membership for members to gain unlimited access to materials and equipment for educational, artistic, play, creative, social or therapeutic activities or making items
PRINTING
DIY Space For London-join membership for 2 pounds/year and get access to screen-print, lino-cut, Risograph and bookbinding
TIPS ON HOW AND WHAT TO BUY
My Indie Wardrobe-alternative fashion from shopping at charity shops, clothes swaps, independent designers, ethical businessesand making your own
My Indie Wardrobe-Fashion Facts
London’s best independent art shops
+ FREE BUSINESS TOOLS
These tools also have affordable package offers with greater services
WEBSITE BUILDERS
WordPress- use SEO and advanced statistic tools to promote business and build fan base, open a store, upload blogs, design a portfolio with templates, recommended premium at 7 pounds/month for freelancers + get 50% student discount with Student Beans app
Page Builder- powerful enhancement to WordPress content, easy to build responsive grid based page content that adapts to mobile devices, live editing to see changes while editing, history browser to go back and forward, customize with row and widget styles
Website Builder-packages with 30 day trial, at 1 pound/month for first 12 months, free lifetime domain, email accounts, social media and business widgets, adaptable to all devices
Format-14 days free trial and packages of 6, 12, 25 pounds/month, easily customizable themes, very visual to showcase your work, access to e-commerce, client proofing, marketing and blogging tools, adaptable to all devices
Check out other websites like Wix or Weebly
If this list is not helpful, why not skim through another list recommending the best website builders here.
WEBSITE ENHANCEMENTS
Publishing templates, calendars, graphic design, logos, widgets, icons
Hootsuite-social media management website to track and manage social media pages, plan and set time to publish posts weeks in advance, see posts and engagement with calendar view, analytics of engagement
Google Calendar-connect with gmail, set reminders for dates, events, occasions to facilitate with social media posts
Canva-quick and easy ways to create visuals graphic design (social medias, posters, logos, brochures etc.) with access to photographs, vector images, graphics and fonts
Wix Logo Maker-create logo with assistance from Wix logo maker and polish, edit to suit your needs
20 Widgets to Improve Your Website
Iconmonstr-4000+ free icons that are universally recognizable, to quickly and easily guide visitors to your pages
TIPS ON WEBSITE BUILDING
How To Perfect Your Website Navigation Bar
How To Get Google To notice Your Website
How to Get More bookings Through Your Website
How To Write an FAQ Page-with Examples
Visit Jimdo.com for more awesome articles!
+ TRANSPORT HIRE
Personal Transport-bus, minibus, van and car service for individuals and groups, customer decides pick up time, fixed price set in advance
Carrot Cars-different car sizes including Estate with larger boot space, includes baby seats and pet friendly
Uber Pool-share the ride and split the cost from 3.40 pounds (always refer to in-app fare information before booking as prices vary and apply to Pool trips in London)
Green Clover-affordable service for transporting, storing and recycling scenery and props