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Industry experts tackle post-Brexit misinformation

New information resource launches to distribute advice on visas, carnets, work permits, tax obligations and more for those working in the cultural industries post-Brexit

By Anna Grace on 05 Feb 2020

Industry professionals tackle post-Brexit misinformation

image © Pixabay

A group of live music industry professionals have launched an online information initiative aimed at offering post-Brexit advice and guidance to those working in the music and cultural sectors in the UK and the European Union.

The initiative, named UK, Europe, Arts Work, launched on Friday 31 January, as the UK finally made its exit from the European Union. Live music professionals have been vocal on the impact Brexit will have on the industry, with freedom of movement for both people and equipment one of the major points of contention, with some artists believed to be reluctant to confirm touring commitments post-2020 until clearer information is available.

Project leader Ian Smith, former national chair of the folk, roots and traditional music section of the Musicians’ Union and founder of Frusion and Fizzion music agencies, has established the resource alongside agent, tour manager and promoter Mark Ringwood, and carnet professional Roger Patterson, to limit disruption to the cultural sectors “via the dissemination of accurate fact-checked information from all sides”.

A regularly updated website will display information from UK and EU trade bodies, as well as from organisations within the cultural industries and export offices.

“I’ve seen much to worry about the entire industry in the last year to 18 months”

The key areas covered by the resource include work permits; visas; carnets for merchandise and equipment; international tax obligations across specific EU territories; and the import and export of instruments containing restricted materials.

“I’ve seen much to worry about the entire industry in the last year to 18 months,” comments Smith, who is based in the UK, with a strong presence in Austria. “Disproportionate misunderstanding surrounding work status is impacting current and future opportunities for work as booking cycles move forward.

“I’ve witnessed first-hand artists not being selected due to uncertainty and rumours circulating. This will only get worse with severe impacts for 2021, whatever is now agreed between the UK and EU,” continues Smith.

“Our aim is to provide information to all of these affected parties and promoters whose booking decisions are influenced by uncertainty about costs and access to each labour market.”

Read IQ’s round-up of the live industry’s road to Brexit here.

See EU later: The live music industry’s road to Brexit

 


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