Freelancers and consultants are an essential part of the museum sector’s ecosystem – contributing their expertise and specialist skills, fresh perspective and support around skills development to museums big and small.
From 8-14 June 2026, we marked our annual Freelancers’ Week, celebrating the work of freelancers and consultants across museums, heritage and culture.
We’re also here to support you all year round. On this page we’ve compiled useful resources for you and your career – whether you’ve been freelancing for years or are just getting started.
Q&As with freelancers
Freelancers and consultants across the sector share their stories and career journeys
Freelance and consultant membership
Our special membership grade tailored for people who work for themselves, with lots of great benefits
Museums Journal content
- Hints and tips for starting out as a freelancer
- How can museums support freelancers?
- Vox pop: How to thrive as a freelancer
- News: Report finds creative freelancers hit by loss of work, late pay and AI
As part of our work, over the last few years we’ve spoken to freelancers and consultants who work in different areas of museum practice, and below we’ve shared their insights about what freelancing means for them and what it might mean for you.