Frances Forbes-Carbines

Frances Forbes-Carbines | Freelance Arts Writer & Critic | UK

Frances Forbes-Carbines

Frances Forbes-Carbines is a writer, researcher and creative strategist based in the UK. She studied at the University of Bristol and spent a year reading Lettres Classiques at the Sorbonne before completing her MA in Classics & Ancient History.

Frances Forbes-Carbines – Freelance Arts Writer, Critic & Cultural Consultant

Frances Forbes-Carbines is an experienced freelance arts writer and critic based in the UK, specialising in visual arts, opera, classical music, and the intersection of culture, history, and classics.  With an MA (Distinction) in Classics & Ancient History from the University of Bristol, a year studying Lettres Classiques at the Sorbonne, and publications in leading outlets including ArtReview, The London Magazine, Observer, The Critic, Classical Music Daily, UnHerd, Antigone Journal, City AM and The Art Newspaper, I deliver insightful, eloquent writing for galleries, publications, festivals, orchestras, and cultural organisations.  Whether you need sharp opera reviews, in-depth arts criticism, thoughtful cultural essays, expert arts research, or creative strategy consulting, I bring depth, clarity, and a fresh perspective.

Services as a Freelance Arts Writer & Critic

  • Arts Criticism & Reviews (opera, visual arts, exhibitions, classical music) 
  • Freelance Writing Commissions (features, essays, catalogue entries, programme notes) 
  • Arts Research (classical reception in modern art, cultural heritage, biodiversity themes) 
  • Cultural Consulting & Creative Strategy for arts organisations

Published expertise in prestigious titles ensures high-quality, authoritative content. Enquire for rates and availability.

Selected Publications

My work has appeared in The London Magazine, ArtReview, City AM, UnHerd, Antigone Journal and The Art Newspaper, among other publications: see my writing portfolio for further examples. I am a member of the British Art Network.

Professional Experience

I have worked for a range of arts and cultural organisations including Historic England, British Council, the Association of British Orchestras and the Paul Mellon Centre.

Frances Forbes-Carbines speaking from the audience during Q&A at Radical Software: Women, Art & Computing 1960–1991 exhibition event, MUDAM Luxembourg – discussing pioneering women in digital art and technology
Frances Forbes-Carbines speaking from the audience during Q&A at Radical Software: Women, Art & Computing 1960–1991 exhibition event, MUDAM Luxembourg – discussing pioneering women in digital art and technology

Ready to Collaborate?

If you’re an arts organisation, publication, gallery, or festival seeking a knowledgeable freelance arts writer or critic, let’s discuss your project.  Contact me via email [add your email] or message on X 

@Francesforbesca. 

Paintings

Have a look at my paintings in my artwork gallery page.