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

• 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