Benefits of enhancing cultural cooperation with the EU: evidence from Scottish stakeholders

The UK Government committed in its 2024 election manifesto to reversing the difficulties touring artists had experienced since Brexit, which the Scottish Government welcomed. 

Barriers since Brexit

Touring artists have been facing major barriers since Brexit – in some cases, touring in the EU is no longer viable, due to additional costs and administrative complexity as a result of the need to acquire visas or work permits, as well as facing extra costs and complexity in transporting equipment. 

Since Brexit touring artists and technical staff must now comply with 27 separate national immigration and work regimes, replacing the framework of free movement, leading to higher costs (visas, permits, carnets, haulage), reduced touring activity, and loss of income, particularly for emerging and mid-career artists. Smaller and emerging acts are disproportionately affected as they are likely to have lower financial resilience and be less well established. Merchandise, a critical source of tour revenue, is now also subject to additional customs and administrative requirements.  

Touring artists, particularly those from traditional and folk music backgrounds, play a significant ambassadorial role for Scotland’s minority languages – maintaining connections with other European minority language communities and raising the profile of Gaelic and Scots, with economic and cultural impact.

Impact of Brexit barriers on the sector

UK Music reported that of those surveyed for the Brexit/EU Touring part of their 'This is Music 2025' report, 32% were affected by the UK leaving the EU, up 4% from 28% in 2023. Of those affected, 95% experienced a decrease in earnings, up 8% from 87% in 2023. 

The above mentioned barriers and constraints also have structural consequences, including reduced career development opportunities, skill shortages in technical roles, and diminished cultural exchange, weakening Scotland’s international cultural presence and limiting the long-term capacity of its creative and knowledge-intensive sectors. 

Potential opportunities 

Article 126 of the TCA commits the EU and UK to endeavour, where appropriate, to review the activities of short-term business visitors with a view to agreeing possible improvements in the mutual interest. The Scottish Government believes that at the very least, this TCA commitment should be implemented.

Surveys and stakeholder evidence consistently identify barriers to mobility as one of the primary obstacles to EU touring.

Stakeholders in Scotland have proposed various options to support the sector, such as a cultural touring agreement, a cultural visa exemption including for people supporting the industry such as technicians, a new international touring fund, and a cultural export office. The Scottish Government would like to see the UK Government and the EU discuss these potential solutions.