Future Labs
A series of solutions-focussed panel sessions to discuss ways to support freelancers through the current crisis, engage them in the reopening of theatres, and include them in shaping the future of our industry.
What are the Future Labs?
Chaired by FMTW, each panel will be made up of 12 participants, split equally between freelancers and representatives from organisations as well as guest experts, gathered to discuss and find solutions to the topic in question.
Through these discussions we will develop practicable models for immediate and sustainable ways to support and engage freelancers. These conversations are an opportunity to share good practice, openly converse and formulate ideas. In the spirit of collaboration, they will be conducted with an emphasis on shared learning and finding solutions, not simply discussing the problems.
What are the topics?
The topics discussed will fall into three areas: Immediate Support, Returning to Work and Sector Change.
The first three panels are listed below but we would love to hear what other issues you feel need discussing and solving. We welcome suggestions from all freelancers for future panel topics.
- What are solutions for immediate, possible and inclusive activity?
- How can we engage and invest in freelancers in innovative ways while traditional routes are affected?
- How do we ensure that the progress on diversity and inclusion that started prior to the pandemic continues?
How will it work?
Each Lab will be 2 hours long (with breaks) held remotely on Zoom and chaired by FMTW.
The session will begin with individual panellists presenting their own ideas and responses to the questions, followed by an opportunity to openly discuss the topic in search of solutions.
Some panels will also feature suggestions of currently existing good practice from guest speakers.
There will be opportunities around each panel for further thinking, off-shoot discussions and the conversation to be opened up to the wider freelance community.
In the week after each round of panels, participants will be invited back to present their collective solutions in a follow up session to be made available by FMTW.
When will the Labs be happening?
Monday 05 October 11am:
What are solutions for immediate, possible and inclusive activity?
Wednesday 07 October 11am:
How can we engage and invest in freelancers while traditional routes are affected?
Friday 09 October 11am:
How do we ensure that the progress on diversity and inclusion continues and doesn’t return to previous states?
A follow up session will take place in the week commencing 12 October.
Aims
The immediate aim of the Labs is to find ways to support freelancers through the current crisis, engage them in the reopening of theatres, and include them in shaping the future of our industry. Each discussion will be conducted in the pursuit of these solutions, not just as a talking shop.
At the end of the series, we hope that we will be able to present these solutions in a way that organisations will be able to put into practice moving forward.
