UK VISA REGULATIONS ARE RIDICULOUS - JOIN THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST THEM…

Recent changes to the UK Immigration Act, have brought in new policies and a points-based system resulting in more stringent visa regulations. These are creating unnecessarily restrictive and bureaucratic procedures for overseas non-EU artists coming to the UK for performances, talks, concerts, exhibitions, book launches, or those taking part in international collaboration and exchange. One example given is that 'an artist coming to UK for a book launch, or to open their exhibition in Mayfair at a commercial gallery, would have to get what's called a Certificate of Sponsorship. That can only be issued by the organisation that's inviting the artist, who would then have to apply to become a licensed sponsor…." The Manifesto Club is coordinating a campaign against these regulations led by Manick Govinda, artists' adviser at Artsadmin, and has won support from artists, musicians, gallery directors, academics and students. Together they call for a review of regulations , and acknowledgement of the vital contribution made by international artists and scholars to UK cultural and intellectual life. To sign the petition, join the campaign, attend related events, visit the website.