Advocacy | October 22, 2025

Building Fair Futures for Freelancers

Three artists use lifts and ladders to paint a colorful mural with large blue and purple female figures and vibrant patterns on a tall urban wall in a parking lot. Art supplies are scattered on the ground. — Muralists transform the exterior wall of Spirit in Lawrenceville as part of Spirit Walls, an annual street art project in Pittsburgh // Photo by Patrick Fisher

The creative workforce in Greater Pittsburgh and across the U.S. is uniquely characterized by freelance and gig-based work. Unlike W2 employees, independent contractors lack fundamental labor protections such as minimum wage, overtime guarantees, and benefits. While the assumption is that contractors can negotiate fair rates, in practice, many artists and creative professionals must accept the work available, often at low or unpredictable pay. Independent contractors have also been disproportionately affected by systemic issues such as delayed or unpaid wages, uncompensated overtime, limited protections for workplace injuries, and financial instability that can undermine credit, savings, housing, and long-term planning.

Arts workers are over three times more likely to be self-employed than the general workforce, yet often earn less than self-employed peers in other industries.

In the arts sector, these inequities are especially acute: arts workers are over three times more likely to be self-employed than the general workforce (31% vs. 10%) yet often earn less than self-employed peers in other industries. Furthermore, the increasing reliance on independent contractors by organizations, particularly as unionization shifts staff structures, underscores the urgency of establishing systemic standards for equity in freelance and contracted work.

Currently, no shared framework exists for arts organizations to systematically measure, scale, and celebrate equity in freelance contracting. While certifications like W.A.G.E. provide guidance, their scope is limited, and most efforts focus on employees rather than contractors. The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council will create the Fair Deal Checklist to address that gap, responding to the reality that most artists operate in the gig economy and are highly vulnerable to inequitable practices.

The Fair Deal Checklist is a tiered framework designed to help arts organizations systematically evaluate and improve their equity practices for independent contractors. It provides a clear continuum, from Bronze through Platinum, with actionable standards at each level. The Checklist is intended as a practical tool for organizations to conduct self-audits, identify areas for improvement, and publicly demonstrate commitment to fair contracting practices.

A group of dancers in colorful, traditional dresses and shawls perform a lively flamenco dance on stage, with musicians playing guitar in the background. — Flamenco Pittsburgh performs at Kelly Strayhorn Theater // Photo by Patrick Fisher

The Fair Deal Index uses the checklist to establish a measurable, field-wide benchmark for equitable contracting. Inspired by frameworks like Sustainable Pittsburgh’s recognition program and SustainableCT, the index tracks both organizational adoption and sector-wide progress over time.

By making equity practices visible and measurable, the index incentivizes adoption and allows funders, boards, and community stakeholders to recognize and reward organizations committed to fair contracting. It also creates the opportunity for the Arts Council to promote organizations as leaders in the field in Southwestern Pennsylvania because of their demonstrated commitment to equitable contracting.

By standardizing expectations, providing benchmarks, and celebrating progress, the checklist and index aim to:

Reduce disparities in pay and professional treatment
Increase organizational transparency and accountability
Foster sustainable, fair career pathways for freelancers and gig workers
Support systemic change in arts contracting and funding practices

The Fair Deal Checklist

Bronze Level

All freelance and contracted positions clearly list payment terms and rates.
Contracts are documented and accessible, including scope of work, deliverables, and timelines.
Calls for freelancers use clear, accessible language and avoid jargon that may unintentionally exclude qualified candidates.

Silver Level

Maintain all requisites of Bronze Level.
Have an internal policy on equitable contracting practices.
Include an in-kind budget line that tracks the gap between current contractor pay and equitable standards, enabling the Board to discuss strategies for closing it.
Recruitment channels intentionally include platforms and networks that reach a broad range of qualified freelance candidates.
Project-based-work that is filled through open calls are posted for a minimum standard period (e.g., 2 weeks) and to ensure broad accessibility.
Compensation practices are reviewed to ensure consistency and fairness for roles with similar responsibilities.
Contracts include clear language regarding professional treatment, including intellectual property, credit, and timely payment.
Regularly review and update contracts to remove unintentional bias and ensure clarity and inclusivity.
Reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities or access needs are offered and publicly acknowledged.

A woman with curly hair plays a red Nord Electro 3 keyboard on stage, while another musician in the background plays an electric guitar. The stage is dimly lit with amplifiers and a drum set visible. — The Garment District performs at the Allegheny Elks Lodge as part of the Northside Music Festival // Photo by Patrick Fisher

Gold Level

Maintain all requisites of Silver Level.
No application or request for freelance or contracted work requires unpaid labor (e.g., design proposals, project mock-ups, or extensive work samples beyond standard portfolios).
Rates for freelancers and independent contractors are set using an industry benchmark or recognized equity resource (e.g., W.A.G.E.’s Fee Request Generator or the Teaching Artist Guild’s Pay Rate Calculator) to ensure fair market compensation.
Conduct regular pay equity analyses across contracts and adjust disparities as needed.
Individuals responsible for contracting receive basic training in fair practices and anti-bias principles.
Establish a standard evaluation process for freelancers that is transparent, fair, and consistent.
Make public commitments to equitable contracting practices and report progress annually.

Platinum Level

Maintain all requisites of Gold Level.
Equity metrics for freelance work are fully integrated into organizational performance evaluation, strategic planning, and budgeting.
Leadership demonstrates accountability for advancing fair contracting, including public reporting on outcomes.
Implement mentorship or support programs for freelancers from underrepresented or underserved groups.
Offer competitive rates that exceed industry minimums and prioritize equitable access for all freelancers.
Advocate for systemic improvements in arts funding, freelance contracting, and professional standards.

As part of our commitment to Build Fair Futures for Freelancers, we're seeking feedback from at least 30 freelance arts workers and 5 organizations. If you’re a freelance arts worker or an organization that engages with freelance arts workers, we’d love to hear your feedback.

Building Fair Futures for Freelancers Feedback Form