Our sector is diverse, with individuals working in museums as employees or volunteers and with museums as freelancers and consultants.
During the week of 10 to 16 June, we celebrated all things freelancing. As part of this, we spoke to freelancers and consultants who work in different areas of museum practice, and we shared their insights about what freelancing means for them and what it might mean for you.
Working with freelancers
Take a look at our quick guide to things your organisation should take into consideration when engaging freelancers and consultants.
Q&A with museum freelancers
“Aspects of freelance life are revitalising and conducive to high quality work in a way that daily office life sometimes isn’t”
“You have to look after yourself. That's the most important part of the job, not the clients or the work you put on your CV”
“I think knowing what your passion and purpose is is key to thriving as a freelancer”
“I'm able to work on lots of interesting projects and have a varied working week”
“Having an interest in multiple topics and angles is vital, and those multiple perspectives are a huge benefit to museums”
“Working freelance requires a very different mindset to working as an employee”
“Social media is full of people saying they've made lots of money in their first year. Do not believe a word of it!”
“I would never have had such a broad expanse of opportunities if I had worked in a museum”
Lyndsey is a freelance museum and heritage consultant who supports organisations to develop creative projects for diverse audiences
Eric founded Barker Langham in 2005 and has led the company’s evolution into one of the world’s leading cultural practices
Colin is a freelance consultant specialising in improving the visitor experience for museums, galleries and historic properties and sites
Further resources