ISM accuse DCMS of 'misleading' musicians over visa-free touring announcement

The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) has written to the Secretary of State for Digital Culture Media and Sport, asking him to clarify what is meant by ‘visa-free short-term touring’ in 19 EU member states, following the announcement made by the government yesterday on the matter.

The news follows months of lobbying by musicians and music industry organisations, prompted by fears that the additional costs and red-tape incurred by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) will prevent them from working in Europe.

In a statement yesterday the government said UK musicians and performers do not need visas or work permits for short-term tours.

But the ISM has asked DCMS to clarify what is meant by 'visa-free short-term touring’ as concerns mount that the exemption is only for a few days or weeks.

In a statement the ISM said: 'It is common that when the EU grant short-stay visa-waivers to third countries, this is defined as 90 days in a period of 180 days.

'The ISM contend that the government’s announcement deliberately implies that musicians (and other creative professionals) will be permitted to work visa-free in those 19 countries for the same length of time.'

The organisation went on to point out that, 'the best way to address the barriers to touring - which mean many musicians and others are already missing out on work in Europe – is for the government to negotiate a bespoke Visa Waiver Agreement (VWA) which would allow visa-free touring for creative professionals. This would provide far better cover for musicians and artists, and greater clarity and consistency for our sector.'

The ISM have challenged the Secretary of State to urgently answer the following questions:

• Confirm exact details of what visa and work permit free touring will be permitted in each of the 19 countries.

• Share with us [the ISM] now that the TCA is nearly eight months old the Mode 4 proposal the government made to the EU.

• Ensure that the issues affecting out sector will be discussed at the next meeting of the UK-EU Partnership Council.

• Set out the timetable for your department to undertake negotiations with key EU states in connection with improving the current provisions around work permits for touring musicians in Europe.

Deborah Annetts, chief executive of the ISM said: 'Our touring musicians deserve better than misleading statements from government, when many have serious concerns for their future careers and livelihoods. We believe that pursuing a Visa Waiver Agreement with the EU remains a critical part of the solution, enabling artists to tour in Europe with ease once more, something that is vital for many musicians in order to make a living.

'We have been disappointed that the government has so far refused to open discussions with the EU, which harms not just the UK creative industries but also the UK economy. The legal advice we have obtained dismantles the Secretary of State’s reasons for not pursuing a VWA with the EU.

'The VWA is an easy solution to a complex set of issues – there is no reason now for the government not to adopt this policy which will give certainty and flexibility to this incredibly important sector. Music alone generates £5.8bn and sustains almost 200,000 jobs, while the creative industries as a whole contribute £116bn to the UK economy. Now is the time to take all possible measures to promote economic recovery post the pandemic, support the creative industries and get everyone back to work.'

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