Author | Lightnews

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 21h

We created our rates of pay guidelines to help artists at every stage of their career know what to charge - not just for their time, but for the full value of their work.

Find our Rates of Pay Guidelines at artistsunionengland.org.uk.

#artistsunionengland #artworkiswork #solidarity #fairpay

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 1d

As the trade union for artists in England and a coalition member of the Arts and Minds Campaign, we stand together to defend creativity itself from becoming an exclusive privilege rather than a right.

Data from Teacher Tapp and WeThink/Omnisis, via The Arts and Minds Campaign.

#artistsunionengland

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 5d

“On this day, I pay tribute to our members and to all artists around the world, the drivers, thinkers, creators, educators, healers, campaigners, nurturers — filling our lives with the beauty, joy and knowledge that art brings to us every day.”

Scroll to read Zita’s full message.

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 6d

Being a freelance artist can be tough. When something at work doesn’t feel right, it’s hard to know where to turn.

Don’t wait for something to go wrong. Join AUE today for just £4 a month and get the protection and support you deserve!

#artistsunionengland #freelancelife #unionstrong #solidarity

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 7d

Know Your Rights: artists and self-employment contracts. An online workshop for Artists' Union England members.

Know your rights and feel empowered to negotiate with confidence. Divided we beg, united we bargain.

Sign up at artistsunionengland.org.uk

#artistsunionengland #contracts #solidarity

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 13d

The theme for this year's International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for Just, Peaceful and Inclusive Societies.

Scroll to read a message from our Co-Chair, Zita Holbourne.

#artistsunionengland #poverty #endpoverty #equality

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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 20d

"As artists, we know that art can bring healing and be positive for our wellbeing. It is essential that everyone has access to services and support — even more so for those in the most precarious, dangerous and urgent situations."

You can read Zita's full statement by following the link in our bio.

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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 22d

If you let us know that you’re faced with an overdue invoice, our team are on hand to contact your employer, remind them of their obligations including the payment of a late fee, and check in with them until the payment is made. Join AUE now for just £48 per year: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 24d

48% of our members who used our rates of pay guidelines told us their fees increased as a result. Joining Artists’ Union England means you’re not negotiating alone - you have the backing of collective standards and the strength of solidarity.

View our rates of pay guidelines on our website.

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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 29d

“Black History Month is an opportunity for our arts and culture sector to honour the work that generations of Black artists and communities have done, to shine a light on struggles and victories but to also say no to racism."

Scroll to read the full message from our Co-Chair, Zita Holbourne.

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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · Sep 29

Weeks before the UK government formally recognised Palestine, our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne urged them to take this step. She also stressed that recognition alone was not enough, and that much more must be done to end the genocide.

Proud to be AUE. Proud to stand on the right side of history.

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · Sep 26

When you join AUE, you don’t just become part of a union - you gain a powerful voice on the national stage. Together, we make sure artists aren’t just heard - they’re taken seriously.

To read Loraine’s full speech, head to the link in our bio!

#artistsunionengland #artsineducation #solidarity

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · Sep 24

"The arts inspire hope and dreams. We want that for every child, for every adult. Arts
education available for everyone - a door of opportunity, open for all."

We call upon our government to make arts education accessible to all.

#artistsunionengland #artsineducation #unionstrong #solidarity

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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · Sep 23

Yesterday's announcement from the UK government should have happened years ago. The UK must act now, alongside all states opposing the Israeli government’s slaughter of Palestinians.

We demand an immediate ceasefire, withdrawal from Gaza, and an end to attacks in the West Bank.

#freepalestine

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · Sep 19

You can now pay your union subs monthly!

For just £4 a month you’ll receive the support of our dedicated caseworker, access to 30mins of free legal advice, and £5m Public & Products Liability insurance.

Sign up at the link in our bio, today.

#artistsunionengland #unionsubs #solidarity

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · Sep 17

Are you an LGBTQIA+ artist and a member of AUE? We invite you to join our new LGBTQIA+ members network.

Please email [email protected] with LGBTQIA+ Members Network in the subject line, if you’re interested in joining.

#artistsunionengland #LGBTQIA #network

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · Sep 15

As the trade union for artists in England, we stand in solidarity with our 2,000+ members to hold the art world to account.

Our team offers one-to-one support, giving members the advice and tools they need to advocate for themselves.

Join Artists’ Union England today for just £4 a month.

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · Sep 11

The TUC Congress is over, but the fight goes on. We’re leaving inspired & ready for action. Artists – this is your union. Let’s build it together.

Divided we beg. United we bargain.

Join AUE today for just £4 a month.

#TUC25 #artistsunionengland #artworkiswork #fairpay

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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · Sep 9

Even in this culture of very low pay, there is still a gender pay gap. AUE attends the annual TUC Women’s Conference to advocate for women artists, fighting for pay parity, equal representation and fair working conditions for women artists.

#artistsunionengland #genderpaygap #TUC

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · Sep 7

It’s Day 1 at this year’s TUC Congress – we’re making sure artists’ voices are heard loud & clear. Scroll to hear from our Co-Chairs on why us being here is so vital.

Solidarity ✊

#TUC25 #artistsunionengland #artworkiswork #fairpay

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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · Sep 5

Negotiating your worth shouldn’t be intimidating. As a union for and by artists, we understand how tough it can be to ask for the fee you deserve.

That’s why we’ve created a ready-to-use email template to help you implement our Artists’ Rates of Pay Guidelines.

#artistsunionengland #freelancelife

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Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · Sep 3

Our co-chairs, Zita and Loraine, will be chairing and speaking at multiple fringes at the 157th annual TUC Congress and championing artists at the heart of the trade union movement.

If you’re in Brighton between 7th-10th September, come and say hi 👋

#artistsunionengland #artworkiswork #fairpay

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · Aug 31

We urge all artists to use our rates of pay guidelines, which outline half-day and full-day rates for artists of all levels of experience. Access our rates of pay guidelines for free: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/rates-of-pay/

#artistsunionengland #artworkiswork #fairpay

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · Aug 29

We need the government to understand that without a stable home, decent pay and access to good working conditions, artists cannot create art, which contributes to the culture and wellbeing of this country. Join AUE now: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk

Quote taken from the AUE membership survey 2024.

Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · Aug 27

When you’re an independent artist faced with a dispute against a huge organisation, it can be easy to feel hopeless. But don’t give up – contact your union! Join AUE now for just £48 per year: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk

#artistsunionengland #artworkiswork #fairpayforartists