In this workshop, you will explore the advantages and disadvantages of freelancing. We’ll cover practical and legal aspects and support and well-being strategies. Gain insights into avoiding common pitfalls and discover top tips for success, including:

• Intellectual property and copyright
• Setting up as a sole trader, along with banking and accounting tips
• Insurance, trade unions, and contracts
• Achieving a healthy work/life balance
• Important things to know

This is an interactive session, and we encourage you to ask questions, share your suggestions, and actively participate in activities and discussions. If you prefer to listen, that’s perfectly fine too! Your Workshop Leader Leila d’Aronville (she/her) is a freelance creative producer and facilitator, and Founder of North East Cultural Freelancers and Director of Northern Roots. She possesses expertise in project management, development, business planning, impact reporting, communications, organisational change, community building, coaching, facilitation, and partnership development. Additionally, she is a well-connected and experienced networker, passionate about both people and the community. With over 20 years of experience in the cultural sector in the North East, Leila is deeply committed to ensuring that people remain at the core of cultural initiatives. She excels in collaborative work and has a strong cultural education and network delivery background. Leila, who is of mixed white and South Central Asian heritage, grew up in Newcastle. While raising her two small children leaves her with little time for other pursuits, advocating for gender equality remains a high priority on her agenda. This event has been organised by The NewBridge Project (Newcastle) for the Kaleidoscope Network, a collaboration between Spike Island (Bristol), Primary (Nottingham), Bloc Projects (Sheffield) and Eastside Projects (Birmingham). EOP Members are automatically part of the Kaleidoscope Network and can attend selected events programmed by each partner for free.