“The UK cultural sector could face restricted access to European funding and depleted talent pools as a result of Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union,” writes Georgia Snow in The Stage (London) on Friday (6/24). “Arts leaders have previously warned that leaving the EU would have a ‘huge bearing on the future health of the creative industries and the arts and cultural sectors.’ Earlier this year, a survey conducted by the Creative Industries Federation found 96% of its members in favor of remaining in the EU, for reasons including access to EU funding and the free movement of talent. … issues such as visas for performers and creatives working across the continent will now need to be addressed. Entertainment unions including Equity and the Musicians Union both claimed the consequences of leaving the EU would be ‘very unwelcome’ for British artists and performers. Conversely, campaigners supporting EU withdrawal claimed the move would allow the UK to continue trading with Europe but enable it to develop relationships with other non-European countries.” Also on Friday, London-based ClassicFM.com posted comments from British classical-music figures including the Association of British Orchestras, which stated, “The ABO is deeply concerned at the potential impact on its members. The prospects for the nation’s public finances are worrying, and may affect the implementation of Orchestra Tax Relief and lead to further reductions in public funding for the arts and local authorities. We will need the new leadership of this country to give us guarantees as to continued freedom of movement across Europe’s borders for our orchestras, artists and orchestral musicians.”
Posted June 24, 2016
