Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
@zitaholbourne.bsky.social
Multi-award winning multidisciplinary artist, equality and human rights campaigner, community activist, trade union leader.
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
“Black History Month is an opportunity for our arts and culture sector to honour the work that generations of Black artists and communities have done, to shine a light on struggles and victories but to also say no to racism."
Scroll to read the full message from our Co-Chair, Zita Holbourne.
Scroll to read the full message from our Co-Chair, Zita Holbourne.
October 1, 2025 at 9:02 AM
“Black History Month is an opportunity for our arts and culture sector to honour the work that generations of Black artists and communities have done, to shine a light on struggles and victories but to also say no to racism."
Scroll to read the full message from our Co-Chair, Zita Holbourne.
Scroll to read the full message from our Co-Chair, Zita Holbourne.
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Thanks so much for your fab introduction @jenniebatchelor.bsky.social Looking forward to our upcoming event too! Thanks also to contributors @juliamiller.bsky.social @aprildeangelis.bsky.social @zitaholbourne.bsky.social @marcellenewbold.bsky.social #janeausten #englishliterature bit.ly/42vsQyk
September 20, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Thanks so much for your fab introduction @jenniebatchelor.bsky.social Looking forward to our upcoming event too! Thanks also to contributors @juliamiller.bsky.social @aprildeangelis.bsky.social @zitaholbourne.bsky.social @marcellenewbold.bsky.social #janeausten #englishliterature bit.ly/42vsQyk
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Last week, our members gathered for our Annual General Meeting, to propose and vote on motions to shape the next year of the union’s policies and campaigns. This year, four proposals were passed. Read them in full here: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/annual-gener...
#tradeunion #solidarity
#tradeunion #solidarity
July 11, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Last week, our members gathered for our Annual General Meeting, to propose and vote on motions to shape the next year of the union’s policies and campaigns. This year, four proposals were passed. Read them in full here: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/annual-gener...
#tradeunion #solidarity
#tradeunion #solidarity
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
AUE has signed a letter urging Baroness Jones, leading Minister on the Employment Rights Bill in the House of Lords, to take the opportunity provided by this Bill to tackle sexual harassment and gender-based violence in the workplace directly. Read it here: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/news/
July 19, 2025 at 9:02 AM
AUE has signed a letter urging Baroness Jones, leading Minister on the Employment Rights Bill in the House of Lords, to take the opportunity provided by this Bill to tackle sexual harassment and gender-based violence in the workplace directly. Read it here: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/news/
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Only 36.9% of artists who responded to our 2024 membership survey work from a studio.
Read about the challenges artists face when seeking a studio to rent in ‘From “Hand To Mouth” to Bread and Roses’, a report on artists’ lives by Industria and AUE: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/from-hand-to...
Read about the challenges artists face when seeking a studio to rent in ‘From “Hand To Mouth” to Bread and Roses’, a report on artists’ lives by Industria and AUE: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/from-hand-to...
July 20, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Only 36.9% of artists who responded to our 2024 membership survey work from a studio.
Read about the challenges artists face when seeking a studio to rent in ‘From “Hand To Mouth” to Bread and Roses’, a report on artists’ lives by Industria and AUE: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/from-hand-to...
Read about the challenges artists face when seeking a studio to rent in ‘From “Hand To Mouth” to Bread and Roses’, a report on artists’ lives by Industria and AUE: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/from-hand-to...
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
"For our labour, skills, talent and essential contribution to all lives, we deserve the whole loaf and roses in bloom."
Read ‘From “Hand To Mouth” to Bread and Roses’, a new report on artists’ lives by Industria, commissioned and published by AUE: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/from-hand-to...
Read ‘From “Hand To Mouth” to Bread and Roses’, a new report on artists’ lives by Industria, commissioned and published by AUE: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/from-hand-to...
July 21, 2025 at 9:02 AM
"For our labour, skills, talent and essential contribution to all lives, we deserve the whole loaf and roses in bloom."
Read ‘From “Hand To Mouth” to Bread and Roses’, a new report on artists’ lives by Industria, commissioned and published by AUE: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/from-hand-to...
Read ‘From “Hand To Mouth” to Bread and Roses’, a new report on artists’ lives by Industria, commissioned and published by AUE: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/from-hand-to...
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Organising as artists is essential to push back against the 'art world' and ensure fair pay, good working conditions and sustainable futures for all. Read ‘From “Hand To Mouth” to Bread and Roses’, a new report on artists’ lives by Industria and AUE: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/from-hand-to...
July 22, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Organising as artists is essential to push back against the 'art world' and ensure fair pay, good working conditions and sustainable futures for all. Read ‘From “Hand To Mouth” to Bread and Roses’, a new report on artists’ lives by Industria and AUE: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/from-hand-to...
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Too many employers think it’s okay to pay their freelancers after their invoice is due. Use this email template to help you get paid on time. And remember to let your employer know you’re a member of AUE. We can help you chase your payment! www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/rates-of-pay/
June 30, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Too many employers think it’s okay to pay their freelancers after their invoice is due. Use this email template to help you get paid on time. And remember to let your employer know you’re a member of AUE. We can help you chase your payment! www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/rates-of-pay/
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Huge thanks to AUE member Sean Roy Parker for sharing this quote. Our casework, legal support, rates of pay guidelines and campaign work is making a difference to artists’ lives. The more members we unite, the more power we’ll have to fight for change. Join AUE now: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
July 7, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Huge thanks to AUE member Sean Roy Parker for sharing this quote. Our casework, legal support, rates of pay guidelines and campaign work is making a difference to artists’ lives. The more members we unite, the more power we’ll have to fight for change. Join AUE now: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
‘From “Hand To Mouth” to Bread and Roses’, a new report on artists’ lives by Industria, commissioned and published by Artists’ Union England. Read for free now: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/from-hand-to...
July 9, 2025 at 6:51 PM
‘From “Hand To Mouth” to Bread and Roses’, a new report on artists’ lives by Industria, commissioned and published by Artists’ Union England. Read for free now: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/from-hand-to...
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne and delegates Antonietta Torsiello and Federico Ramos spoke at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference, challenging systemic racism and campaigning against the disproportionate impacts of low pay on Black artists. Join AUE now: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
July 4, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne and delegates Antonietta Torsiello and Federico Ramos spoke at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference, challenging systemic racism and campaigning against the disproportionate impacts of low pay on Black artists. Join AUE now: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
On #WorldRefugeeDay, AUE opposes disgraceful government policies and urges communities to stand up for the human rights of people displaced and forced to flee for their lives.
Swipe to read our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne’s statement, or read it on our website: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/news/
Swipe to read our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne’s statement, or read it on our website: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/news/
June 20, 2025 at 9:03 AM
On #WorldRefugeeDay, AUE opposes disgraceful government policies and urges communities to stand up for the human rights of people displaced and forced to flee for their lives.
Swipe to read our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne’s statement, or read it on our website: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/news/
Swipe to read our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne’s statement, or read it on our website: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/news/
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Today is #WindrushDay, which honours the contributions and highlights the struggles still faced by the Windrush Generation and descendants. Swipe to read an extract from our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne’s statement, and read the full text on our website: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/news/
June 22, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Today is #WindrushDay, which honours the contributions and highlights the struggles still faced by the Windrush Generation and descendants. Swipe to read an extract from our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne’s statement, and read the full text on our website: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/news/
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
We developed rates of pay guidelines to help artists know how much to charge for their time. But time isn’t the only thing artists need to take into account! Follow these guidelines to make sure you know how much to charge, and how to break down your fee: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/rates-of-pay/
June 23, 2025 at 11:03 AM
We developed rates of pay guidelines to help artists know how much to charge for their time. But time isn’t the only thing artists need to take into account! Follow these guidelines to make sure you know how much to charge, and how to break down your fee: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/rates-of-pay/
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Alone, we’re just one artist working in an incredibly unstable industry. Together, we’re a voice that can call for change. Join Artists’ Union England now for just £48 per year: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
#artistsunionengland #artistslife #artworkiswork
#artistsunionengland #artistslife #artworkiswork
June 25, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Alone, we’re just one artist working in an incredibly unstable industry. Together, we’re a voice that can call for change. Join Artists’ Union England now for just £48 per year: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
#artistsunionengland #artistslife #artworkiswork
#artistsunionengland #artistslife #artworkiswork
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne and delegates Antonietta Torsiello and Federico Ramos represented AUE at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference, campaigning against systemic racism and the disproportionate impacts of low pay on Black Artists. Join the 1900+ members of AUE now: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
May 26, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne and delegates Antonietta Torsiello and Federico Ramos represented AUE at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference, campaigning against systemic racism and the disproportionate impacts of low pay on Black Artists. Join the 1900+ members of AUE now: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
AI devalues the skill of artists, with original work and intellectual property stolen and abused. Our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne moved a motion which was passed by the GFTU at their Bienniale, urging our fellow unions to campaign for AI regulation. Join AUE now: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
June 27, 2025 at 11:04 AM
AI devalues the skill of artists, with original work and intellectual property stolen and abused. Our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne moved a motion which was passed by the GFTU at their Bienniale, urging our fellow unions to campaign for AI regulation. Join AUE now: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
Looking forward to running a workshop at @shambalafestival.org.web.brid.gy in August.
www.shambalafestival.org/2025/events/...
www.shambalafestival.org/2025/events/...
Building Effective Campaigns While Practicing Collective Care with Zita Holbourne - Shambala 2025
A session with campaigner, activist, writer and multidisciplinary artist Zita Holbourne on how to build a campaign resisting discrimination and injustice. Zita will draw on successful
www.shambalafestival.org
June 6, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Looking forward to running a workshop at @shambalafestival.org.web.brid.gy in August.
www.shambalafestival.org/2025/events/...
www.shambalafestival.org/2025/events/...
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Motion 11 | Protect Drivers from Exploitation by App Companies | UK Private Hire Drivers Union | Muhumed Ali
Motion passed unanimously.
Read the full motion here: gftu.org.uk/bgcm2025/
#BGCM2025 #GFTU
Motion passed unanimously.
Read the full motion here: gftu.org.uk/bgcm2025/
#BGCM2025 #GFTU
May 19, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Motion 11 | Protect Drivers from Exploitation by App Companies | UK Private Hire Drivers Union | Muhumed Ali
Motion passed unanimously.
Read the full motion here: gftu.org.uk/bgcm2025/
#BGCM2025 #GFTU
Motion passed unanimously.
Read the full motion here: gftu.org.uk/bgcm2025/
#BGCM2025 #GFTU
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Privileged to have Lord John Hendy KC join us as a speaker at our #BGCM today, speaking on the #EmploymentRightsBill.
#BGCM2025 #GFTU #ERB
#BGCM2025 #GFTU #ERB
May 19, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Privileged to have Lord John Hendy KC join us as a speaker at our #BGCM today, speaking on the #EmploymentRightsBill.
#BGCM2025 #GFTU #ERB
#BGCM2025 #GFTU #ERB
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Proud to host Luke & Mike, reps of @unitetheunion.bsky.social for only 20 weeks, who have been participating in the #BirminghamBinStrike.
"Is it hard being on strike?" "Ask my wife."
✊We stand with all members taking action.
It's time this Gov & @cllrjohncotton.bsky.social #StopTheCuts
#BGCM2025
"Is it hard being on strike?" "Ask my wife."
✊We stand with all members taking action.
It's time this Gov & @cllrjohncotton.bsky.social #StopTheCuts
#BGCM2025
May 19, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Proud to host Luke & Mike, reps of @unitetheunion.bsky.social for only 20 weeks, who have been participating in the #BirminghamBinStrike.
"Is it hard being on strike?" "Ask my wife."
✊We stand with all members taking action.
It's time this Gov & @cllrjohncotton.bsky.social #StopTheCuts
#BGCM2025
"Is it hard being on strike?" "Ask my wife."
✊We stand with all members taking action.
It's time this Gov & @cllrjohncotton.bsky.social #StopTheCuts
#BGCM2025
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Motion 10 | Representing Self-Employed workers | @artistsunioneng.bsky.social | Zita Holbourne
Motion passed unanimously.
Read the full motion here: gftu.org.uk/bgcm2025/
#BGCM2025 #GFTU
Motion passed unanimously.
Read the full motion here: gftu.org.uk/bgcm2025/
#BGCM2025 #GFTU
May 19, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Motion 10 | Representing Self-Employed workers | @artistsunioneng.bsky.social | Zita Holbourne
Motion passed unanimously.
Read the full motion here: gftu.org.uk/bgcm2025/
#BGCM2025 #GFTU
Motion passed unanimously.
Read the full motion here: gftu.org.uk/bgcm2025/
#BGCM2025 #GFTU
Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Motion 12 | AI – democratic accountability, national and international regulation and workers’ rights | @artistsunioneng.bsky.social | Zita Holbourne
Motion passed unanimously.
Read the full motion here: gftu.org.uk/bgcm2025/
#BGCM2025 #GFTU
Motion passed unanimously.
Read the full motion here: gftu.org.uk/bgcm2025/
#BGCM2025 #GFTU
May 19, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Motion 12 | AI – democratic accountability, national and international regulation and workers’ rights | @artistsunioneng.bsky.social | Zita Holbourne
Motion passed unanimously.
Read the full motion here: gftu.org.uk/bgcm2025/
#BGCM2025 #GFTU
Motion passed unanimously.
Read the full motion here: gftu.org.uk/bgcm2025/
#BGCM2025 #GFTU
I co-signed this letter in solidarity with #brumbinstike
BREAKING 🚨| 25 unions, representing over 1 million workers, have written to Angela Rayner MP and Cllr John Cotton to stop cuts in #Birmingham.
The movement is behind the #BirminghamBinStrikers
Read the the letter in full: bit.ly/BrumBinStrik...
#StrikeMap #BrumBinStrike
The movement is behind the #BirminghamBinStrikers
Read the the letter in full: bit.ly/BrumBinStrik...
#StrikeMap #BrumBinStrike
May 16, 2025 at 12:55 PM
I co-signed this letter in solidarity with #brumbinstike
My full podcast with @vandalfactory.bsky.social on being a creative & work for @artistsunioneng.bsky.social added bonus - Blue Skies #ellafitzgerald I sing this every day -every time someone announces they have gone over to Blue Sky I start singing it 🎵🎶🎹🎤 👩🏾🎤
youtu.be/SYNVKX4BpuM?...
youtu.be/SYNVKX4BpuM?...
Factory Floor Cuts: Zita Holbourne (Artists Union England)
YouTube video by Vandal Factory
youtu.be
May 1, 2025 at 5:49 PM
My full podcast with @vandalfactory.bsky.social on being a creative & work for @artistsunioneng.bsky.social added bonus - Blue Skies #ellafitzgerald I sing this every day -every time someone announces they have gone over to Blue Sky I start singing it 🎵🎶🎹🎤 👩🏾🎤
youtu.be/SYNVKX4BpuM?...
youtu.be/SYNVKX4BpuM?...