New UK visa rules draw end to arts events

June 03 2009 by Liam Clifford

Canadian singer Allison Crowe

Several major arts events have already been cancelled and dance and music organisations are struggling to attract members from outside the UK as a result of the new stricter visa regulation brought in by UK immigration.

The problem has been highlighted in a new report, UK Arts and Culture: Cancelled by Order of the Home Office, by anti-red tape campaigners, Manifesto Club.

The new regulations, with its points-based system, are intended to minimise illegal UK immigration but are also making it extremely difficult for dancers and musicians to obtain a UK visa.

Examples of the problem include the case of Canadian singer, Allison Crowe, who was due to perform in the UK. Because she was not carrying her certificate of sponsorship she was deported back to Canada. Her passport was stamped ‘barred from entry’ which means she may find it difficult to travel to the UK in the future.

Two concerts by Russian pianists, Grigory Sokolov, were cancelled when he had trouble gaining a UK visa and Iranian National Opera director, Abbasa Kiarostami, was forced to run the new production of Cosi fan Tutti over email because he could not enter the country.

One Cardiff-based ballet company is facing closure after unsuccessful, expensive and time consuming negotiations with UK immigration to allow its Russian dancers to work in the UK. As it stands, the performers are still stuck in Russia and shows have had to be cancelled.

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