Touring musicians to get help with Brexit barriers

MUSICIANS performing abroad could soon be able to seek help from a government agency tasked with increasing Britain’s cultural influence and sorting post-Brexit visa issues, under plans being considered by ministers.

The Sunday Telegraph has learnt that Oliver Dowden, the Culture Secretary, is looking at plans pushed by the music industry for a “UK creative industries export office”, to help facilitate tours and assist artists with international gigs.

The body would closely resemble similar agencies in Australia and Canada that provide advice on export logistics and strategy to artists, as well as helping them to expand into new markets and increase their exposure.

The “one-stop shop” would also help artists with visa arrangements, such as those now required under the terms of the UK’s Brexit trade deal with the European Union, which has been blamed for creating additional costs and red tape. However, industry insiders see it as an opportunity to help increase the British music industry’s appeal in key growth areas, such as India and South America, as well as the US, which is still seen as the gateway to global success.

Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, the chief executive of UK Music, said an export office would boost “Brand Britain” and strengthen its soft power, adding that targeted grants to help cover increased costs for artists should be considered.

“The British music industry can help fly the flag for Britain globally and is a great example of the UK’s soft power due to the huge influence of British music across the world,” he said. “However, new Brexit rules have put barriers up and made it harder for British musicians to work and perform abroad.

“A new UK-wide export office for the music industry or the wider creative sector could play a crucial role in helping drive our post-pandemic recovery.”