London, UK – A new alliance has formed, aiming to unlock vital cultural exchange and address the growing complexities of international touring. The Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC) launched today, uniting a diverse range of creative organizations from across the UK and Europe. This important Cultural Exchange Coalition seeks to dismantle touring barriers and foster robust industry growth, a crucial mission amidst mounting concerns over artist mobility.
Addressing Post-Brexit Touring Barriers for the Cultural Exchange Coalition
Since the UK’s departure from the EU, navigating the landscape of international touring has become increasingly challenging. Artists and crews are now confronted with significant red tape and sharply risen costs, leading to immense bureaucracy. Many in the creative sector feel that international touring is no longer a viable option. Reports indicate a noticeable decrease in the number of UK artists touring the EU, which directly impacts their earnings and the broader landscape of cultural exchange. These touring barriers particularly affect emerging artists, creating a ripple effect that harms culture and the economy alike, impacting artists, venues, and audiences. The current post-Brexit touring arrangements are proving detrimental, damaging revenues and hindering growth. This situation threatens a vital component of our shared cultural heritage, making the work of the Cultural Exchange Coalition all the more imperative for UK EU touring.
A United Front for Cultural Exchange within the Cultural Exchange Coalition
This new alliance represents a monumental step forward, bringing together numerous key players in the arts and music industries. Members include prominent bodies such as UK Music and the Musicians’ Union, alongside the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre. Further support comes from organizations like EMME, EMMA, ISM, LIVE, and One Dance UK. Critically, over 50 EU businesses have also joined the Cultural Exchange Coalition, underscoring the widespread impact of these issues on artist mobility. The CEC boasts the endorsement of renowned figures, including musical icons Dame Evelyn Glennie and Jools Holland. Their involvement powerfully highlights the urgency of the challenges and signals a shared ambition for a thriving cultural exchange.
Driving Growth and Creative Collaboration through the Cultural Exchange Coalition
The Cultural Exchange Coalition has a clearly defined mission: to translate political rhetoric into tangible action. A UK-EU Summit in 2025 acknowledged the importance of supporting cultural exchange, and the coalition aims to build upon this by transforming commitments into meaningful change. This involves strengthening creative collaboration between the UK and EU and actively removing barriers to touring for musicians and performing arts professionals. The CEC is dedicated to fostering shared growth and is actively urging political leaders to prioritize these issues. They are calling for renewed negotiations to ease the complexities of touring, which is essential for the sustainability of cultural communities, economies, and citizens across both regions. The efforts of the Cultural Exchange Coalition are already generating significant attention within the news and cultural policy circles, impacting the creative industry.
Looking Ahead: Securing the Future of Shared Creativity and Cultural Exchange via the Cultural Exchange Coalition
At its core, the Cultural Exchange Coalition believes in the profound power of culture to reveal common ground, bridge borders, and build trust. The CEC positions itself as a vital bridge, capable of unlocking new opportunities and demonstrating that the collective cultural power of the UK and Europe is amplified when it grows together. The alliance is motivated to spur government action and secure new agreements that effectively address touring obstacles, including the escalating costs and complex visa processes for artist mobility. The future of vibrant cultural exchange hinges on these efforts. This initiative offers a much-needed positive outlook for the performing arts and the broader cultural landscape.
