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The Hub Launches Toolkit on Post-Pandemic Support for Artists and Creative Freelancers

Our friends at the hub have just launched a new Balance toolkit that includes 100+ bespoke resources to help artists and creative freelancers take better care of their mental health and businesses in the wake of Covid 19.

Published: 06 July 2021 | 4:59 PM
Photo of a trio of musicians, a banjo player, a double bass player and an acoustic guitarist.
The toolkit has been co-created with hundreds of artists and freelancers who’ve taken part in the monthly Balance talks. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Topics covered in the the hubs bespoke Balance toolkit range from:

  • Combating stress, anxiety and overwhelm
  • Boost your creativity, positivity and productivity, and being more resilient
  • Working out what good growth looks like for you
  • Reaching new customers and build a post-pandemic business plan. The 100+ resources include video and audio content, practical exercises, top tips, good reads and illustrations, with more to be added

The first toolkit of its kind, it’s been co-created with hundreds of artists and freelancers who’ve taken part in the monthly Balance talks the hub has run the past year. And best of all, thanks to Arts Council England funding the toolkit is entirely free to access.

You might also want to check out the hub’s You’ve got this – how to boost your confidence and self-esteem Balance talk on 25 June, and its Balance training - The Art of Creative Pivoting and Getting Creative with Business Planning both in July.

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