Abstract
The creative industries are notoriously difficult to break into, and business knowledge is key for those who are starting out, particularly for freelancers. Research shows that 57% of freelancers do not feel well informed of their rights, 69% face issues with late or non-payment, and 57% rely on peer advice to solve contract negotiation problems and 'grey issues' not easily resolved by a quick internet search. Existing advice systems rely on the inefficient mechanism of experienced freelancers repeatedly answering similar questions, and new freelancers often cannot access reliable peer advice due to exclusionary networks. This paper reports on the Freelance Advisor project, a BA/Leverhulme-funded initiative that uses an engaged scholarship approach to develop and pilot a technology-enhanced peer advice system for creative freelancers. Drawing on the conference themes of inclusion, innovation, and the sustainability of the creative freelance ecosystem, we describe the theoretical background, system design, and findings from an initial pilot user test conducted with creative freelancers in Edinburgh, in partnership with Creative Edinburgh. We reflect on what our early findings reveal about knowledge gaps, system usability, and the potential of advanced technology to democratise access to peer advice in the creative industries.