Cultural and Creative Industries
The UK’s cultural and creative sectors are rarely considered when trade deals are discussed, despite significant and diverse exports from computer games to music, theatre to fashion. Such neglect has led to problems, most notably in the hugely increased difficulties UK cultural and creative workers now face in touring or working around Europe.
The diversity of UK cultural and creative exports from businesses ranging from single person to large company means there are no simple solutions to boosting exports. Rather the UK Government needs to understand the range of issues and ways in which these can be overcome, sometimes by domestic policy changes, sometimes through negotiation. In this evidence session Commissioners we heard from experts about the issues and possible solutions facing the cultural and creative industries, and what support had been forthcoming from government before the session.
Tamara Cincik and Dame Rosemary Squire co-chaired this session.
Witnesses
Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive, Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM)
Simon Chambers, Owner, Storm Model Management
John Horner, Managing Director at Models 1 Limited
Patrick Grant, Director of bespoke tailors
Kash Bennett, Managing Director and Producer of National Theatre Productions
Julian Bird, Chief Executive of the Society of London Theatre and Theatrical Management Association
Paule Constable, Award Winning British Lighting Designer
Craig Stanley, Marshall Arts Ltd.
INTRODUCTION
The UK Trade and Business Commission heard evidence around the impact of the UK’s new trading arrangements with the world on the cultural and creative industries. Witnesses who gave oral testimony came from the fashion, music, touring, theatre and lighting industries.
The UK’s cultural and creative sector is rarely considered when trade deals are discussed. This is despite significant and diverse exports from computer games to music, theatre to fashion. Such neglect has led to problems, most notably in the hugely increased difficulties UK cultural and creative workers now face in touring or working around Europe.
The diversity of UK cultural and creative exports from businesses ranging from a single person to large companies means there are no simple solutions to boosting exports. Rather, the Government needs to understand the range of issues and ways in which these can be overcome, sometimes by domestic policy changes, sometimes through negotiation. In this evidence session Commissioners asked selected experts about the issues and possible solutions, and what support has been forthcoming from the Government to date.
ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
NEGOTIATIONS:
The UK cultural and creative industries urgently need new negotiations between the UK, EU and member states, to prevent further adverse impact on both sectors. Freeing movement between the EU and the UK will require diplomatic negotiation both with the EU Commission and EU member states.
• Negotiate an EU-wide cultural touring agreement or visa waiver, including allowances for carnets, CITES and cabotage
• Bilateral visa agreements with more key EU member states
• Maintain an open and ongoing dialogue to facilitate consolidated touring for theatre, music and dance. This is to ensure that touring artists and their entourage don't 'use up' their allowed time in Europe under new visa restrictions, and so that they can travel the continent without disruption
• Be open about ongoing discussions with the EU Commission & member states.
UNILATERAL ACTION FOR THE UK GOVERNMENT:
Guidance, support funds and immigration rules can be implemented unilaterally and rapidly by the Government. It is crucial that guidance is jointly agreed with industry, to ensure the best outcomes for the sector.
• Issue clear guidance (rather than signposting) on visas, carnets, CITES and cabotage for UK and European hauliers and workers
• Add skilled garment workers to the Shortage Occupation List
• Provide a transition support package for young, emerging, self-employed technicians and creatives while long-time solutions are being found
• Active and positive engagement by government with these industries.
KEY QUOTES
"Those who earn a living touring and working across borders don’t want to hear more rhetoric or recriminations, they want solutions.” Dame Rosemary Squire, Commissioner & Joint CEO and Executive Chair of Trafalgar Entertainment
"What we heard today is that the plight of these hugely important sectors are falling on deaf ears in government and it's emerging British talent who are paying the price.” Tamara Cincik, Commissioner & CEO of the Fashion Roundtable
“Not all of these issues require renegotiation with the EU and are in the UK Government’s gift to unilaterally change, which would be transformative on issues such as garment workers on the Shortage Occupation List, at least until such time as the T Levels are rolled out and completed. We want to work with the Government to fix these problems and we will be taking this evidence to them along with our own recommendations.” Tamara Cincik, Commissioner & CEO of the Fashion Roundtable
"Artists have to travel internationally to develop. The Beatles went to Hamburg to become a band. That’s as true today as it was then. No trucks means no tours. We think there needs to be a cultural exemption. I put that to Lord Frost when I met with him along with David Furnish and Elton John and I was saddened in his rejection of that ask. He would not be drawn on explaining why. As we come out of Covid, tours will not happen. I cannot be more blunt than that.” Craig Stanley, Promoter & Event Director at Marshall Arts Ltd,
"We are suffering because the image of Britain as a culturally exciting and culturally liberal place has been tarnished by things like the hostile environment. We are seen now as a less cool country than we were before... that's a pretty significant difficulty." Patrick Grant, Director of bespoke tailors Norton & Sons of Savile Row