Red Tape
Artist’s contracts and written agreements
It is advisable to draw up a contract or written agreement with the artist(s) at the start of a project, to establish your respective roles. This can avoid confusion as to who has final responsibility for each aspect of the tour. The following details (and any other relevant information), should be put in writing, signed by both parties and copies kept by each. If it is more convenient, the artist can sign their copy after they have arrived in the UK, but you should ensure they have seen and agreed the terms before arriving. See the notes on Contracts and employment - the legal aspects.
A contract can include:
- Name of the artist.
- Name of the venue/promoter.
- The nature of work/participation of the artist.
- Agreed fees paid to the artist and the basis of paying (daily/hourly/weekly).
- If the artist is being paid expenses only, these should be clearly stated and the total limit for e.g. travel, per diems, accommodation, food. Is VAT included? Do they keep receipts?
- Title, themes and/or the purpose of the tour.
- Performance venue(s).
- Start and finish dates of the run of performances.
- Any damages if the set/costumes etc. are damaged.
- Number of people that will be touring.
- A list of all props, set, costumes etc.
- Tour dates, including any anticipated tour dates.
- The venue’s sales commission (excl. VAT) if entrance tickets are to be sold.
- Responsibilities of the venue/promoter and the artist/company/group.
An artist’s responsibilities can include:
- Packing, shipping and delivery of set/props/costumes/instruments etc. to an agreed location for collection.
- Organising their own personal travel, medical and/or insurance.
- Set up at the venue and get-out at the end of the last performance.
- Supplying and permitting the use of photographic images of their work for promotional purposes.
- Agreement to participate in related educational/promotional activities organised by the venue/promoter.
A venue/promoter’s responsibilities can include:
- Packing, shipping and delivery of set/props/costumes/instruments to and from the UK or to another venue.
- Organising and/or paying for work permits and visas.
- Organising transport and booking accommodation for the artist.
- Paying artists’ fees, per diems, transport, accommodation and subsistence costs.
- Set up at the venue and get-out at the end of the last performance.
- Publicity and marketing.
- Production of performance literature, programme, etc.
These are suggestions only, and there are likely to be other details to consider.
The Voluntary Sector Legal Handbook by Sandy Adirondack and James Sinclair Taylor (published by The Directory of Social Change) provides detailed information and other considerations for drawing up a contract (see details below).
Further Information and Contacts
The Voluntary Sector Legal Handbook:
by Sandy Adirondack & James Sinclair Taylor
Published by
Directory of Social Change: www.dsc.org.uk
24 Stephenson Way
London NW1 2DP;
Tel: 08450 777707
Email: books@dsc.org.uk
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform: www.berr.gov.uk
The BERR website has extensive advice and publications including
Individual Rights of Employees: a Guide for Employers and Employees;
Contracts of Employment; download link: http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file34565.pdf
Small Firms’ Awareness and Knowledge of Individual Employment Rights
Working Time Regulations:
www.berr.gov.uk/employment/employment-legislation/working-time-regs/index.html
ACAS: http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1135
Tel: Acas Infoline: 08457 474747
National Minimum Wage:
www.berr.gov.uk/employment/pay/national-minimum-wage/index.html
Tel: Helpline 0845 6000678
Health and Safety Executive: www.hse.gov.uk
Tel: HSE Infoline 08701 545500
Citizens Advice Bureau Advice Guide: www.adviceguide.org.uk
Regional UK telephone numbers are included on this website.
Confederation of British Industry: www.cbi.org.uk
The website displays information on what the CBI does but its enquiry service does not extend to non-members.
British Employment Law: www.emplaw.co.uk
In the Free area find information on employment law. Also, there is a regional search function to find solicitors in the UK.
Work Permits (UK)
Sports & Entertainments Team
Managed Migration Directorate
Home Office, PO Box 3468
Sheffield S3 8WA
Tel: 0114 274 3303 (S & E Team)
Fax: 0114 274 3003 (S & E Team)
www.workingintheuk.gov.uk
ents.workpermits@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
(for Sports and Entertainments Team)
Home Office
Border and Immigration Agency: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
Lunar House
40 Wellesley Road
Croydon CR9 2BY
Tel: 0870 606 7766
Fax: 020 8760 3017
Email: indpublicenquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
BACK to RED TAPE
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Contents
Introduction
Work permits
Contracts and employment - the legal aspects
Artist’s contracts and written agreements
Visas; entry clearance; leave to enter
Police registration; CRB checks
Tax
Insurance and medical services
Fees for artists and performers
Transporting equipment and ATA carnets
Passenger airport security in the UK
Final checklist
Glossary – list of forms
National Campaign for the Arts briefing paper: Changes to immigration policy and pricing
Red Tape (PDF)
INFO & RESOURCES
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