NETWORKS AND COMMUNITY
Find people, opportunities and community
Identity-led and community-led organisations can help freelancers find peers, opportunities, professional development, specialist knowledge and spaces where their experiences are understood.
Some of the links below are networks or campaign groups. Others are theatre companies, publications and artist-development organisations that create opportunities and connections.Â
This page is not the full picture. Identities overlap, language changes and each organisation describes its own community and eligibility. Please check individual websites for their current activity.
PLACES TO CONNECT
Across roles and communities
Cross-sector networks and resources helping freelancers find peers, representation, opportunities and professional support.
Backstage Niche →
A community representing diversity behind the curtain, supporting backstage freelancers and encouraging new routes into theatre’s technical and production roles.
Migrants in Culture →
A migrant-led organisation resourcing artists and organisers to build creative social movements and challenge the effects of the UK’s hostile immigration system.
Solidarity Knows No Borders →
A community of migrant organisations, groups and individuals working to end hostility and racism against migrants and refugees. Its website includes community and organising resources.
Jewish Artists UK →
Guidance created and signed by UK-based Jewish artists, theatre-makers and arts workers on confronting antisemitism without censoring legitimate political and artistic expression. It recognises that criticism of Israel and support for Palestinian rights are not inherently antisemitic.
The Anti-Racist Social Club →
Educational resources, workshops and spaces for White people and non-Black people of colour seeking to learn and take anti-racist action.
Find your union or professional network →
Use the FMTW Freelancing 101 guide to find unions, professional associations and peer networks relevant to your role and art form.
Supports and produces arts by, with and about refugees and migrants, including artist development, national programmes and opportunities across theatre and other art forms.
Our Voice Network | Rhwydwaith Ein Llais →
A Wales-based network empowering, developing and platforming Global Majority artists through professional development, wellbeing activity and opportunities to connect.
Northern Ireland’s intercultural theatre company, bringing artists from different cultural backgrounds together through productions, development programmes and community-led work.
No community’s safety should be set against another’s
FMTW opposes antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Muslim hatred, anti-Palestinian racism and all other forms of racism and racialised discrimination. These are distinct forms of prejudice and harm, not competing concerns. Challenging one must never be used to minimise or silence another.
Criticism of a state, government or political movement is not in itself hostility towards people because of their ethnicity, nationality or faith. No person should be held collectively responsible for the actions of a state, government, political party or armed group because of their identity.
Jewish, Palestinian and Muslim freelancers can be affected by global events and public discourse in different and overlapping ways. Everyone has the right to work without hatred, harassment, stereotyping or discrimination.
COMMUNITY, SUPPORT AND LEARNING
Palestinian, Arab and Muslim resources
These resources serve different communities and purposes. Palestinian identity, Arab and MENA identities, and Muslim faith and identity are distinct, although they may overlap. They are grouped separately here so people can find relevant arts networks, cultural organisations, learning and specialist support.
Palestinian arts, rights and learning
Arts networks and educational resources centred on Palestinian artists, history, rights and advocacy.
Artists for Palestine UK →
A network of artists and cultural workers supporting freedom, justice, equality and dignity for Palestinian people.
Makan →
A UK charity providing education, workshops and resources about Palestinian history, rights and advocacy.
Arab and MENA arts and cultural networks
Organisations supporting contemporary Arab, Middle Eastern and North African arts, artists and cultural exchange.
The Mosaic Rooms →
A London arts organisation and bookshop supporting contemporary culture from the Arab world and beyond, including Palestinian creative voices.
Shubbak →
Supports and champions contemporary Arab artists through professional programmes, national touring, commissions and a biennial multi-artform festival.
Promotes Arab arts and culture in the UK through artistic programmes, courses, resources, events and opportunities for cultural exchange.
Liverpool Arab Arts Festival →
A year-round arts charity and annual festival platforming UK and international Arab artists across theatre, music, dance, visual art and literature.
Muslim arts and specialist support
Arts organisations and specialist support relating to Muslim experiences, Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred.
Tell MAMA →
A confidential service supporting people affected by anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia, including discrimination at work.
Telephone:Â 0800 456 1226
Khayaal Theatre Company →
A professional theatre company inspired by Muslim heritage and cultures, using shared stories to encourage intercultural and interfaith understanding.
FMTW Global Conflict resources →
Resources compiled with freelancers with lived experience, including dedicated information about Gaza and Palestine, support during conflict, campaigns, legal support and regional resources.
GYPSY, ROMA AND TRAVELLER COMMUNITIES
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller creative networks, culture and support
Organisations, publications and networks supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller creatives, culture, representation, rights and community across the UK.
- Equity Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Network: a network for professional creatives from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, supporting representation, safeguarding and positive practice across theatre, film, television, radio and other entertainment sectors.
- Travellers’ Times: independent media led by Romany, Traveller and Roma people, sharing news, stories and creative work through journalism, film and other media.
- Friends, Families and Travellers: a national charity working to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people, with advice, advocacy, heritage and educational resources.
- The Traveller Movement: a national community charity advancing rights, inclusion and representation through information, support, research, advocacy, training and campaigns.
- Roma Support Group: a Roma-led charity supporting East European Roma refugees and migrants through advocacy, cultural programmes, publications and community resources.
A note about language: Gypsy, Roma and Traveller is an umbrella term covering distinct communities, identities and histories. We use it here because it is widely used by the organisations listed, while recognising that individuals may describe themselves more specifically.
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BLACK ARTS AND PERFORMANCE
Black and Black British theatre, performance and creative networks
Organisations, publications and networks championing Black artists, stories, opportunities and creative communities across the UK.
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- Afridiziak Theatre News: theatre news, reviews, interviews, opportunities and events celebrating African-Caribbean theatre in the UK.
- Alt A Review: an arts and culture publication featuring theatre, creative careers, reviews, interviews and work by Black creatives.
- BAiD: Black Artists in Dance: development, mentoring and wellbeing support for Black dance artists.
- Bernie Grant Arts Centre: a Tottenham-based arts centre supporting culturally diverse work and championing Black artists and stories.
- Black Association for Arts: BAFA UK: a network connecting Black professionals across the creative and cultural industries with peers, opportunities and professional contacts.
- Black Lives in Music: a UK charity using research, advocacy and programmes to address racial inequality across music and the live music workforce.
- Project X: a Black and People of Colour-led organisation platforming dance of the African and Caribbean diaspora in Scotland, with artist development and community programmes.
- Talawa Theatre Company: a Black British theatre company producing work, nurturing talent and creating opportunities for artists of African and Caribbean heritage.
- Tangle Theatre: a touring theatre company championing African and Caribbean artistic excellence, community connection and artist development.
- Utopia Theatre: a Sheffield-based company creating and touring African theatre, supporting artists and bringing African and Western performance traditions together.
- We Are Here Scotland: opportunities, resources and creative spaces developed with Black and People of Colour working across Scotland’s creative industries.
EAST AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN COMMUNITIES
East and Southeast Asian theatre, performance and creative networks
Organisations supporting British East and Southeast Asian artists and communities through advocacy, artist development, producing, networking and performance.
- BEATS: An advocacy organisation working to improve representation and opportunity for British East and Southeast Asian people across stage and screen.
- Kakilang: A multidisciplinary arts organisation championing East and Southeast Asian artists and communities. Kakilang was previously known as Chinese Arts Now.
- New Earth Theatre: Creates and tours work by British East and Southeast Asian artists and supports theatre-makers through artist development and regional hubs. Previously known as Yellow Earth Theatre.
- Horizons Collective: A community of British East and Southeast Asian creatives and theatre-makers in Greater Manchester and the North West.
- ESEA Creatives: A Scotland-based, community-led network supporting East and Southeast Asian artists, creatives and cultural workers.
- Moongate Productions: A theatre company creating and developing performance projects that centre East Asian stories and talent and challenge stereotypes.
- Papergang Theatre: A British East and Southeast Asian theatre company working to improve representation across the dramatic arts and create opportunities for artists.
- Red Dragonfly Productions: Produces and tours theatre bringing classic and contemporary stories from East Asia to British and European stages.
SOUTH ASIAN COMMUNITIES
South Asian theatre, performance and creative networks
Organisations supporting British South Asian artists and communities through producing, advocacy, artist development, performance, publishing and cultural programmes.
- Asian Culture Vulture: An independent online arts and culture magazine covering South Asian creative work and stories, including theatre, film, dance, music and literature.
- Kali Theatre: A theatre company developing and presenting new work by female and non-binary writers of South Asian descent, with programmes supporting writers at different stages of their careers.
- Rifco Theatre Company: Creates and tours theatre celebrating contemporary British South Asian experiences, while developing and supporting new creative talent.
- Tara Theatre: Creates politically charged theatre through a South Asian lens and supports South Asian performers, writers, directors, musicians and choreographers.
- Akademi: A leading South Asian dance organisation offering artist support, mentoring, performance opportunities, participatory programmes and a UK-wide dance school directory.
- Sampad: A Birmingham-based organisation championing South Asian arts and heritage across the Midlands through productions, artist development, learning and community programmes.
- South Asian Arts-uk: A Leeds-based centre for Indian classical music and dance, supporting artist development and presenting performances, learning opportunities and community programmes.
- Nutkhut: A British Asian-led outdoor arts company producing multidisciplinary performance inspired by the British South Asian experience for festivals, melas, events and public spaces.
LATIN AMERICAN AND LATINX COMMUNITIES
Latin American and Latinx theatre, performance and creative networks
Organisations, platforms and networks supporting Latin American and Latinx artists, representation, opportunities, rights and creative communities across the UK.
- CASA: a multi-artform organisation commissioning new work, developing artists and placing Latinx, Hispanic Caribbean and diasporic arts at the heart of the UK cultural conversation.
- LatinX Actors UK: a database of Latin American actors based in the UK, created to increase visibility and help casting directors, creatives, directors and producers find talent.
- Luma Creations: a Latin American arts and culture organisation based in the North of England, producing festivals, performances, artist development and community programmes.
- LatinoLife: a Latina-run Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation supporting UK Latin artists through showcases, talent development, mentoring, media, festivals and professional networking.
- Movimientos: a UK Latin American music and events organisation, promoter, artist agency and record label championing independent Latinx and global underground artists.
- Latin American House: a community organisation supporting Latin American and other migrant communities through advice, education, cultural activity and opportunities to connect.
- Coalition of Latin Americans in the UK (CLAUK): a coalition of Latin American-led organisations and initiatives working for recognition, rights, civic participation and systemic change.
- Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS): a feminist organisation run by and for Latin American migrant women, offering free and confidential specialist advice, advocacy, counselling and community support.
A note about language: People use different terms, including Latin American, Latino, Latina, Latine and Latinx. No single term is preferred by everyone. We use Latin American and Latinx in this heading to help people find the section, while retaining the language each organisation uses to describe itself.
ABOUT THIS DIRECTORY
How this page was compiled
This page was compiled using FMTW’s existing anti-racism and Global Conflict resources, together with current public information published by the organisations listed. Descriptions were checked against each organisation’s own website and written as short signposts to help readers decide which resources may be relevant to them.
Where organisations use particular language to describe their communities, identity, membership or work, we have generally retained that wording.
This is a curated starting point rather than a complete directory. Networks, services, eligibility and contact details can change, so please check current information directly with the relevant organisation. Inclusion does not mean that FMTW has independently assessed or endorsed every organisation or service listed.
Links and organisation information checked: September 2026.
Is something missing, or has a link changed?
Please contact FMTW to suggest an organisation, update or correction. We particularly welcome recommendations from freelancers and community-led organisations.