Image: Stealth
A number of music organisations and industry figures have signed an open letter to the British government with regards to their “misinformation” regarding touring for UK artists following Brexit. Many artists have expressed concern at how Brexit will affect their ability to tour across Europe, and have flagged that information from the government has been slow and inconsistent. Last week, a number of live music professionals criticised the government for “spinning” information after they had failed to negotiate visa-free travel for artists and crew members. This follows the government’s announcement that “short-term” visa-free travel without work permits would be possible for touring artists, though these conditions had been in place since the beginning of Brexit talks indicating that no further negotiations have taken place.
The red tape resulting from Brexit which affects the live music industry is poised to present a major problem and added financial burden for British artists looking to tour Europe, particularly for developing talent. Addressed to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and signed by a number of groups including the Musicians’ Union, the Music Managers Forum and the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), the letter calls the government’s recent announcements “deeply disappointing,” stating:
“This announcement has done nothing to correct the misleading information from August and, more worryingly, is being shared widely online without question or qualification.”
The full letter is available to read here.
