Creating Now for the Future
Applications are now closed
Essential information
The creative climate movement is taking action with practical and creative responses to the challenge of climate change – and every single one of us is needed. This programme develops new practical, relevant, and accessible resources for freelancers, producers and individuals making creative work. Designed in collaboration with the sector, it supports them to move towards sustainable, ethical and responsible practice.
This was a paid opportunity for a small group of UK-based individual artists, creatives, creative community practitioners and freelance producers who have been practicing for at least three years. The group came together in 2025 to form a steering group and collectively co-designed (with Julie’s Bicycle) the Creative Freelancer’s Climate Almanac.
Creating Now For The Future Resource – The Almanac
The Creative Freelancers Climate Almanac has been published in May 2025! Special thanks to the 14 participants who took part in Creating Now For The Future in 2024, for supporting the development of The Creative Freelancers Climate Almanac and taking an active role in sharing their insights at the workshops and go-to resources, some of which have been featured in this resource.
FAQs
We’d like to hear from all kinds of individuals working in the creative sector. This could include: artists, musicians, theatre makers, filmmakers, directors, freelance producers, sculptors, composers, writers/authors, visual artists, graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, fashion designers, dancers/choreographers, actors/actresses, poets, spoken word artists, and event planners.
You must be UK-based but do not have to be working with a National Portfolio Organisation.
What are the expected time and date commitments for participants?
- Two 3-hour workshops. Dates: Friday 22 March and Friday 19 April.
Home research. The research is to be done in between the two workshops, and can be done at any time. We expect you’ll spend three hours reading and compiling a summary.
One full day in person on Wednesday 22 May. This will be a sharing and networking event with the Creative Climate Accelerator programme cohort. (Please note: This day is paid as travel expenses only, so it is optional. We understand if you cannot join us).
This paid opportunity is £50 per hour (totalling £500), with up to £50 covered towards travel costs to the in-person event.
We aim to maintain ongoing communication. We will establish a network of freelancers and individuals dedicated to exploring impactful climate action with you.
Through your involvement in this project, we will facilitate connections with other like-minded creatives during the in-person event and possibly beyond. This not only offers networking opportunities but also opens doors for potential collaborations with Creative Climate Accelerator alumni in the future.
We will guide you through two workshops featuring discussions and hands-on activities. Together, we will determine the most useful resources and incorporate findings from our research task. As a group, we will create a framework for the resource, discussing its form and identifying key areas beneficial for a range of freelancers.
We aim to create something that doesn’t already exist. Julie’s Bicycle will take the lead in developing the actual resource, which will be publicly accessible by the summer of 2024.
These resources, shaped collaboratively with you, will assist a diverse range of creatives and individuals looking to initiate practical changes in their work, cultivate ethical approaches to climate action, influence others, or narrate stories about the environmental crisis.
All participants on the CNFTF project will be acknowledged for this work on our website and in any online publication.
- On the strength of answers provided
By demonstrating and evidencing a commitment to wanting to make meaningful impacts on climate change / environmental sustainability within your own work
On the basis that we have a diverse mix of people. We want to ensure representation of those most marginalised and often least engaged in climate and cultural activity. For example: those who are from the Global Majority, disabled, LGBTQ+ and working-class individuals
On the basis of a wide range of freelancers with different specialisms
To ensure a mix of those with some ideas to share across the three main areas:
1. Making work about climate change
2. Making work sustainably
3. Influencing others
To ensure a mix of established and early career creatives, individuals and producers, and those actively applying for development funds (personal or project based)
Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any other questions.
You may also want to explore our Creative Climate Accelerator programme, or our Creative Climate Leadership programme and sign up to our mailing list to find out when applications for other programmes open.