Future Labs
A series of solutions-focussed conversations between freelancers and organisations to find ways to support freelancers through the current crisis, employ as many as possible in the reopening of theatres, and include us in shaping the future of our industry.
#FutureLabs
The applications for the third round of Future Labs are now CLOSED.
Read our report from the first two series of Future Labs HERE.
What are the Future Labs?
Chaired by FMTW, each panel will be formed equally of freelance theatre workers and representatives from organisations, as well as guest experts, gathered to search for solutions to issues identified by freelancers.
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.
What are the upcoming topics?
- What provisions and structural changes can organisations put in place to maintain the mental health and physical wellbeing of freelancers?
- Freelancers from communities underrepresented in the arts are most at risk of having to leave the industry. What do organisations need to do to ensure this does not happen?
- How can we give freelancers more of a voice within the power structures of organisations?

How will it work?

When will the next Labs be happening?
Monday 23 November 11am:
What provisions and structural changes can organisations put in place to maintain the mental health and physical wellbeing of freelancers?
Wednesday 25 November 11am:
Freelancers from communities underrepresented in the arts are most at risk of having to leave the industry. What do organisations need to do to ensure this does not happen?
Friday 27 November 11am:
How can we give freelancers more of a voice within the power structures of organisations?
A follow up session will take place on Thursday 03 December 11.00 – 13.00
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.
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.