Regular video updates will be posted here
www.ukeartswork.info
Founded January 2020
Please do subscribe to our official youtube channel for very regular updates on all aspects of touring into the UK and EU
Ian Smith
founder ukeartswork
NEW CONTACT EMAIL: you can contact Ian at UKEARTSWORK direct here: ian@ukeartswork.info, which will be shared with the team for anything regarding the site and our work here. For any media requests please mark any emails clearly with Press/media request.
Mission statement
Hello and welcome, what are we? Who are we?
We are a totally independent initiative currently self-funded; this may change in the future, but any changes will always be made clear on this site. Initially, this site will be in English, but we hope as time goes on and with funding to make this site available in as many languages as is possible to give as broad as accessible as possible.
We have one core aim, to ensure that the arts and all its workers can continue to work as smoothly as possible pre and post Brexit between the EU and the UK and visa-versa. In my recent experience as a key agency owner, based in the UK and with a presence in Austria for many years, I have witnessed first-hand instances of artists not being selected due to uncertainty around the need for work permits or other documentation. ( which as of now and until the end of the transition period to December 31st 2020 is unnecessary ). There have been rumours which have impacted on job offers and this will only increase as time goes on and the arts booking cycle moves forward. With a disproportionate effect on thousands of workers, including service providers and staff ie: technicians/producers/managers, with consequent impacts on the economy. Over time convinced me of the need for an accurate, reliable resource to calm fears and inform of the facts of the situation as it stands, not conjecture!
The aim of this website is non-political and non-profit, we wish to provide clear, free advice on the current situation and what will happen as agreements are made to the end of 2020 between the EU and the UK. After final arrangements are formalised, we will then continue to inform and help where we can with updates.
Misunderstanding surrounding work status is impacting on current opportunities for work. - Artists from all disciplines and projects are already suffering a loss of employment through uncertainty. Given the long lead-in time for many projects the arts industry, in particular, is affected as much of this work is of its essence short term and temporary but has significant economic impacts both in individual terms and in broader terms with a further effect on soft power and influence both from the UK into the EU and visa-versa.
There continues at the beginning of the final process starting on February 1st 2020, some misunderstanding about the future and present situation. We are here to help keep this confusion to a minimum. To help people plan and put in place whatever they need to do to keep the arts moving irrespective of genre or discipline though aimed at and for people working in the arts industry: artists in all disciplines, support crew, managers, agents, and, of course, promoters and bookers wherever they may be.
This resource is aimed at all that work in the arts sector - vital economically and culturally to the health of the UK and also the continent of Europe. It is the intention of this initiative to keep disruption to a minimum via the dissemination of accurate fact-checked information from all sides. EG: the UK Government Dept of Trade and associated departments and EU departments responsible for trade and culture. This will be made available to Artists from Dance / Music / Theatre / Film, and also all support staff vital to the creation of work within those sectors.
The core key factors are likely to be for entry from and to, the UK market and the Schengen area are:
Work Permits
Visas
Carnets
Merchandise import/export
International Tax obligations across specific EU territories