|
|
HOME Celebrating 30 years if intercultural understanding through the arts |
|
 |
NEWS The latest from the UK and international arts and cultural sectors |
||
June 2007 NCA welcomes partial reversal of visa fee increases An increase in visa fees for artists and performers was partially reversed early June 2007. The announcement was made by the Minister for Immigration, Liam Byrne, at a meeting of the Arts and Entertainment Task Force. In March 2007, the cost of artists’ visas increased from £85 to £200 with effect from April 2007, causing dismay in the arts sector as organisations struggled to cover the increased costs of events involving international artists. Today that figure of £200 has been reduced to £99 for artists who do not require a work permit to enter the UK, with effect from the end of this week. This affects performers at permit free festivals in particular. The increase in fees in April meant that venues like the Barbican, with strong international programmes, were in danger of canceling events due to the sudden and dramatic increase in the cost of bringing artists to the UK. By contrast, increases in education and tourist visas were insignificant in comparison to that suffered by the arts, and were unlikely to deter visitors. NCA Director, Louise de Winter said, “We are delighted that the Home Office has partially reversed its decision on visa fees affecting artists. We understand that the intention was not to target artists, but they were caught up large scale changes when they should have been treated as a special case. The decision today establishes an important precedent that a negative economic impact on the arts can have an effect on how visa prices for artists are set and recognises the international environment in which artists work. We will continue to campaign on the fees for artists visas and against some of the requirements of the proposed new Points Based System as it relates to artists.” The new Points Based System will expand entry clearance requirements, greatly increasing the number of artists who will need visas. The Home Office will be consulting on fees under the Points Based System later this year and the NCA will be making strong representation on behalf of the arts sector. For further information please contact the NCA Email nca@artscampaign.org.uk Website www.artscampaign.org.uk The National Campaign for the Arts (NCA) is the UK’s only independent lobbying organisation representing all the arts. It provides a voice for the arts world in all its diversity. It seeks to safeguard, promote and develop the arts and win public and political recognition for the importance of the arts as a key element in our national culture. NB text taken from NCA website
|
Related Links |
|
Visiting Arts does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or quality of content supplied by external contacts. We are also not responsible for content on external websites. Please note some parts of this site requires Adobe® Reader®. ©
Visiting Arts 2007 | Terms and conditions | Privacy
statement | Images at top of page | Site map |
 |
|
