MerseyDee Collective
For local freelance creatives
About the Collective
The MerseyDee Collective is a network for freelance creatives working in all aspects of performing arts and arts engagement.
It is open to any freelance creative living or working in the Wirral, Cheshire West, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy County.
Launched by Cheshire Dance, Storyhouse, Theatre Porto and Theatr Clywd in autumn 2024, the Collective has been established to build networks and help freelancers find opportunities to sustain their careers.
By collaborating, the four lead organisations involved hope that they can:
• Create a better sense of an artistic community for freelancers living and working in the area
• Retain artistic talent in the region by making it easier to find opportunities, make connections and see it as a place with a variety of artistic opportunities
• Be better connected to local artists and freelancers
• Increase the skills and expertise of artists in the areas by providing free and/or subsidised training opportunities
Are you a freelance creative living or working in the Wirral, Cheshire West, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy County?
Join the MerseyDee Collective here!
Once you have submitted your details, you will receive a confirmation email.
It’s free to sign up, and members of the collective will receive:
• Invitations to special ‘freelancer gatherings’ held at least twice a year, hosted by one of the lead organisations
• Regular information about forthcoming job opportunities, in all aspects of performance, backstage and engagement activity
• Training aimed at supporting freelancers to further their careers
• Opportunities to book onto surgeries to meet creative staff in each lead organisation
• Ticket offers and other opportunities to see work, including access to rehearsals and work in development
• Regular information about forthcoming job opportunities, in all aspects of performance, backstage and engagement activity
• Training aimed at supporting freelancers to further their careers
• Opportunities to book onto surgeries to meet creative staff in each lead organisation
• Ticket offers and other opportunities to see work, including access to rehearsals and work in development
Associate Organisations
Other organisations that have regular employment opportunities for freelancers working in performance and engagement are welcome to join as associate organisations. Please get in touch via exec.support@storyhouse.com
Coming up:
The first MerseyDee Collective Gathering will take place at Storyhouse in Chester on Tuesday 21 January at 2pm. It will be an opportunity to meet staff from all four of the lead organisations as well as other creatives.
It’s free to attend – please sign up here.
Free Training Sessions
FREE Training Sessions at Theatre Porto and Storyhouse, funded by:
Theatre Porto: Involving Children and Young People in Your Creative Projects
Thursday 23 January, 1pm-3.30pm
Theatre Porto, Ellesmere Port
Freelance artists often work directly with children and young people in creative settings, but how can we truly centre their voices in our projects? This session focuses on best practices for involving children and young people in your work. We’ll explore successful examples from a range of arts projects and discuss how to apply these approaches to your own freelance practice. Whether you’re developing a new project or want to enhance an existing one, this session will help you create more inclusive and impactful experiences for young people.
Theatre Porto: Fundraising for Freelance Artists
Thursday 6 February, 1pm-3.30pm
Theatre Porto, Ellesmere Port
Finding the right funding can be a game-changer for freelance artists. This session will explore key funding opportunities that are open to freelancers in the arts sector. We’ll take an in-depth look at current arts funders, share tips on crafting strong applications, and provide a space for you to bring any applications you’ve submitted or are working on. You’ll have the opportunity to receive feedback, discuss your ideas with peers, and leave with practical improvements to strengthen your chances of success. Whether you’re seeking project funding or support for your practice, this session is designed to help you navigate the world of arts fundraising.
Theatre Porto: Evaluating Your Creative Arts Project
Thursday 13 March, 1pm-3.30pm
Theatre Porto, Ellesmere Port
As a freelance artist, evaluation is crucial, whether for your own learning and development or because you’ve been asked to evaluate your work on behalf of an organization. In this session, we’ll explore practical tools to help you assess your projects, from setting clear aims to measuring outcomes and capturing feedback. You’ll learn how to understand what worked, what didn’t, and how to communicate your impact findings effectively, whether to inform future projects or satisfy the needs of your collaborators or funders.
FREE Training Sessions at Storyhouse:
MerseyDee Collective Training: Marketing and Promotion
MerseyDee Collective Training: Pitching Your Creative Ideas
