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London (AP) - Because of new visa rules for artists after Brexit, musicians and concert organizers are calling for a quick agreement between Great Britain and the EU.
The additional bureaucracy costs could destroy careers, said the head of the industry association UK Music, Jamie Njoku-Goodwin.
Tours through the EU are particularly important for British musicians, and cultural life in Great Britain could also be damaged.
"It's a lose-lose situation for both sides."
Months of tours, but also guest appearances and festival participation, have become more difficult after Brexit.
In order to stay longer in the EU and work there, the British now need special permits and vice versa.
This even applies to the musical equipment and means overall bureaucratic and financial effort.
The British and the EU blame each other for failing to come up with more generous rules.
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The trade agreement that the UK has signed with the EU allows EU citizens to work in the UK for up to six months without a visa.
However, you are not allowed to work as a self-employed person, not even for free, and not sell things such as merchandise.
Add to that hundreds of pounds for health insurance.
"It would cost 1,800 pounds (2000 euros) visa fees to bring a six-member band to the Parklife Festival," the event's co-founder, Sacha Lord, told a parliamentary committee in London in early January.
There are also costs for customs declarations, for example for valuable instruments.
It is a nightmare scenario, said the renowned pianist Julius Drake of the dpa.
"Nobody can make a living in Great Britain alone."
There are too few opportunities to perform.
"If you can't travel, your international career dies."
And the British cultural landscape is also threatened with a collapse.
"I can't think of a world where only British artists can be seen in Britain," said Drake.
"If the best talent from abroad cannot perform in London, London will become musically impoverished."
In a petition, British musicians such as Laura Marling, Dua Lipa and the band Biffy Clyro are calling for a “free cultural work permit”, which enables tours in EU countries.
So far, more than 260,000 people have signed up.
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There is currently great confusion, said the world-famous opera singer Ian Bostridge of the dpa.
The hardest hit are ensembles and orchestras, especially those who live from touring and have no permanent location.
Bostridge stressed that the artist community must influence politics.
"We mustn't sink into depression," said the tenor.
“We are close neighbors, we share the same culture.
It is ridiculous that it should be easier to perform in Russia than in parts of the EU. "
The music industry, with around 200,000 jobs, is an important industry in Great Britain that contributes billions to economic output.
Music tourism is an important source of income.
"The industry is more important than fishing," said pianist Drake, referring to the lengthy Brexit negotiations on fishing rights.
The British music industry recorded double-digit growth rates up until the corona pandemic.
"2020 was a disastrous year for musicians around the world," said Njoku-Goodwin.
«It must be ensured that tours can take place.
Especially after the pandemic there will be a great need for music. "
The British scene wants to have as close cultural ties with the EU as possible.
"Music can help bring countries closer together," said Njoku-Goodwin.
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© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210116-99-48255 / 2
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