In response to the recent surge in freelance working within a dynamically changing arts landscape, a-n The Artists Information Company today launches a new insurance benefit for freelancers within the sector. The insurance is bespoke and is available to existing and new subscribers to a-n’s Arts Organisers subscription package.
Susan Jones, Director of a-n, said: “An adaptable and well-equipped freelance workforce is crucial for the long term viability of the visual arts and we are pleased to play our part in making this happen.”
Arts freelancers form a valuable and increasing part of the arts workforce, and a-n’s new subscriber package is aimed at meeting their needs.
Dany Louise, freelance arts strategist, writer and specialist advisor for the scheme, said: “Freelancers have long been a neglected part of the arts infrastructure, yet numerous organisations rely on their work, high-level skills and contacts. Many freelancers have important, critically supportive and reciprocal relationships with artists and arts organisations that are a crucial part of the arts ecology in terms of realising a huge range of quality projects and developments.”
Costing only £94.50 (comparable packages are priced between £250 and £300), a-n’s Arts Organisers subcribers will have access to £1m Professional Indemnity Insurance and £5m Public and Products Liability cover. Developed by specialist arts brokers Hencilla Canworth, the insurance is aimed specifically at freelancers working in arts consultancy, curating, commissioning, project management and research.
Explaining the importance of supporting arts freelancers, Louise added: “To date, there really hasn’t been much provision available to support arts freelancers outside of mainstream business support mechanisms which have limited effectiveness. So I absolutely welcome these new bespoke services that a-n is developing – I think it’s a really important area to address and by doing so, there will be knock on benefits for the sector as a whole.”
The insurance benefit will be formally launched at a special event tonight (6-8pm) at the Phoenix Brighton. Louise will be answering questions, along with Susan Jones, Director of a-n. Also present will be solicitor and contracts specialist Nicholas Sharp of Swan Turton, who will be available for a legal Q&A and to give key tips on the legal aspects of working as a freelancer, as well as explaining how to access discounted legal advice negotiated especially for a-n members.
Find out more about the new insurance benefit for a-n Arts Organisers members www.a-n.co.uk/arts_organisers_insurance
