Women artists deserve equal pay, dignity at work, and freedom from misogyny - not just today - every day.
What we demand for women artists - we demand for all women, everywhere.
#artistsunionengland #WomensHistoryMonth #InternationalWomensDay #unionstrong #solidarity
On International Women’s Day, Artists' Union England stands with women artists in England and across the world.
We’re fighting for pay parity, safe and respectful workplaces, flexible working, and sustainable careers in the arts.
From national representation to support with contracts, working conditions, and pay negotiations - AUE is here for you. Join today for just £4 a month. Link in bio.
Together, we can shape a fairer art world.
#artistsunionengland #InternationalWomensDay #TUCwomensconference #unionstrong
Our Executive Committee headed back to the TUC’s annual Women’s Conference this week to amplify the voices of women artists and champion the issues that matter.
We spoke on AI, rights for self employed women workes, flexible working, and sexual harassment, misogyny and gender stereotyping.
TOGETHER we can reject narratives of division and racism. TOGETHER we can build solidarity across communities. TOGETHER we can unite against the far right.
Park Lane, Central London
28th March
12pm
Nearest tube station: Hyde Park Corner
Let's do this.
#artistsunionengland #togetheralliance
3) Maintaining the expectation of ‘trickle-down funding’ for artists and the instrumentalisation of artists’ work
4) Local political influence on decision-making and the effects on cultural democracy
To read our response in full, head here: tr.ee/5qqKjrZpie.
#artistsunionengland #artscouncilengland
As the union for artists in England, however, our reading of the report gives rise to the following four main material and political concerns:
1) Repression of artistic freedom and undermining the right to boycott
2) Making public funding increasingly dependent on private philanthropy
Baroness Hodge recently completed a review of Arts Council England on behalf of the government.
Artists’ Union England welcomes the renewed commitment to public arts funding and the recommendation to strengthen the arms length principle.
At less than the cost of an overpriced coffee, we think that’s a pretty good deal.
Sign up at artistsunionengland.org.uk today.
#artistsunionengland #unionsubs #solidarity #unionstrong
Did you know you can pay your union subs monthly?
For just £4 a month you’ll have access to the support of our dedicated caseworker whenever issues at work arise, access to 30mins of free legal advice, and automatically get £5m Public and Products Liability Insurance.
Email info@artistsunionengland.org.uk if you have any questions or you require support.
Find the survey here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/KNSJJB5?fb...
We encourage our members to take part so artists’ voices are represented and at the centre of the conversation as AI advances.
Duration: 10 minutes
Deadline: 22nd February 2026
AI is already shifting how art is made and valued - and this is your chance to have a say.
DCMS has commissioned Alma Economics to conduct new research on AI’s impact on the creative industries in the UK and they want to hear directly from artists, creators, freelancers.
Don’t wait until a problem becomes a crisis. Join AUE now for just £4 a month, and know we’ll be in your corner whenever you need us.
artistsunionengland.org.uk
#artistsunionengland #solidarity #fairpay #unionstrong
As HeartUnions Week draws to a close, we wanted to share why we think joining a union is vital for artists.
Standing up to a large organisation on your own can feel overwhelming and isolating. But as one of 2,300 AUE members, you’re never alone - you have strength in solidarity.
We urge the government to increase funding for the cultural sector, with direct support for individual artists, freelancers, and the self-employed.
Investing in artists is investing in a thriving society.
#artistsunionengland #artworkiswork #artistsareworkers #solidarity #fairpay #unionstrong
Current trickle-down models aren’t working. Artists need accessible, direct funding and a coordinated national approach that recognises the value of creative work. Ring-fenced arts funding and increased regional investment are essential.
06.02.2026 10:01 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
Artists and creative workers are facing immense pressure and financial precarity, yet they continue to enrich communities, drive local growth, and sustain the country’s cultural fabric.
06.02.2026 10:01 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
We therefore support calls for socioeconomic background to become a protected characteristic.
Class discrimination is not an abstract concept. It is a lived experience. It does economic harm. And it must end.
Read our full statement at artistsunionengland.org.uk.
#artistsunionengland #solidarity
We are not surprised by the findings of the Class Ceiling report - but we are angered by them.
Treating class as a secondary issue has allowed it to persist unchecked for generations. Class is a core inclusion issue and until it is treated as such, the arts will remain unequal and unrepresentative.
This LGBT+ History Month we pay tribute to those who came before, who achieved against the odds, and on whose shoulders we stand today.
Head to the link in our bio to read the full message from our Co-Chair, Zita Holbourne.
#artistsunionengland #lgbthistorymonth #lgbt #solidarity #equality
Join AUE at artistsunionengland.org.uk for just £4 a month, and know we’ll be in your corner whenever you need us.
#artistsunionengland #solidarity #fairpay #unionstrong
When you join Artists’ Union England, you gain access to experienced caseworkers who will support you in defending your rights to fair pay, respect, and good working conditions.
Don’t wait until a problem becomes a crisis.
Standing up to a large organisation on your own can feel overwhelming and isolating. But as one of 2,300 union members, you’re never alone - you have strength in solidarity.
30.01.2026 10:00 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
Head to artistsunionengland.org.uk for free tax advice, and join AUE for just £4 a month to access the full members’ tax guide.
#artistsunionengland #taxreturn #taxsavings #solidarity
If you’ve spent money on these to keep your business running, you should declare them on your self-assessment tax return. Claiming expenses like these lowers your taxable income, meaning you pay less tax.
22.01.2026 17:04 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
Paints, canvases, protective clothing, travel, accommodation, studio rent, storage, website costs, advertising, public liability insurance - these are just some of the allowable business expenses that can reduce your tax bill.
22.01.2026 17:04 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
With thanks to @wearethemu and HW Fisher UK Chartered Accountants for their expertise in creating our members’ tax guide.
#artistsunionengland #taxreturn #selfassessment #unionstrong
AUE members also get access to our full tax guide, with in-depth advice on reducing your tax bill and checking your return is completed correctly.
Access our free tax advice and join AUE to unlock the full tax guide here: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
The self-assessment tax deadline is 31 January 2026 - and we’re here to help.
We have free resources to help you navigate the UK tax system, including guidance on:
- Registering for self-employment
- How much tax you pay as a self-employed worker
- Allowable expenses for artists
