Promising Signals for UK Musicians and Artists Touring in EU

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has responded to our Face The Music campaign, signalling a potential shift in policy regarding post-Brexit touring issues for UK artists in the EU.

The Face The Music campaign is calling for:

• Negotiated and reciprocal visa waiver agreements to ease travel for UK musicians
• A review of the restrictions on how many days artists and support workers can work in the EU within a 180-day period.

In a letter to the movement, responding to the campaign, DCMS officials stated:

"We are keen to collaborate with the EU to explore ways to improve touring conditions for artists... to address key issues for our brilliant musicians and artists in areas such as visa or the movement of goods."

The response comes after sustained pressure from the Face The Music campaign, which has garnered widespread support from the UK's creative community.

Key points from the DCMS response include:

• A focus on resetting and strengthening relationships with European partners
• Consideration of various policy options to support the creative industries, arts, and heritage sectors
• Commitment to meeting government pledges for these sectors

Richard Kilpatrick, Campaign Manager at European Movement UK, commented:

"While we're cautiously optimistic, it's clear that the narrative is changing. The new Government is listening, and we have an opportunity to make real progress on this critical issue."

Now, we are urging supporters to maintain pressure on the Government by writing to their MPs, emphasising the importance of taking meaningful action to support the UK's renowned creative sector.

Face The Music continues to advocate for solutions to post-Brexit challenges facing UK artists touring in the EU, including visa restrictions and goods movement issues.

See the full response from the DCMS below:

[Header image: Shutterstock.]