ISM, or the Independent Society of Musicians, has just released a new report, “Paying the Price” which gives an in-depth look at how Brexit is affecting musicians in the UK. The results are not good.
The report specifically dives into the aftermath of Brexit for our musicians. Over 400 artists and industry professionals active in Europe in Jan 2021 contributed.
Here’s the breakdown
- 47.4% experienced a drop in EU gigs after Brexit.
- 27.8% reported no EU gigs at all.
- 39% declined European offers, and 40% had bookings cancelled.
- Visas and work permits top the expense list at 23%, followed by carnets (18%) and travel costs (14%).
What they’re saying
ISM’s Chief, Deborah Annetts, highlights the value of the UK music industry, currently ringing in at a cool £5.8 billion. She believes the current Brexit situation is causing some discord.
Prominent voices like British mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnston and Welsh bass-baritone Paul Carey Jones echo the sentiment, emphasizing the barriers faced, particularly by emerging artists.
Why it matters
At £5.8 billion in 2019, music is a significant economic contributor to the UK economy. With Brexit bringing in hurdles and complications for artists, the vibrancy of the UK’s music scene and the financial dividends it brings are both at stake. Here’s hoping they can find a way to solve this issue.
Read the full report here (PDF).
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