New Home Office visa restrictions aimed at preventing illegal immigration have made it a bureaucratic nightmare for foreign artists who wish to show their work in the UK. The expensive, time-consuming procedures have already resulted in cancellations of concerts and artists' residencies, threatening Britain's reputation as a centre for international arts, as this article from the Times makes clear.
The Manifesto Club is orchestrating a campaign against these restrictions, which require artists wanting to visit the UK to have at least £800 in savings, a 'sponsor' who will monitor them during their stay, as well as to provide biometric data and a digital photograph - no small task for many artists, especially those from developing countries without access to biometric equipment.
Those who agree that the Home Office measures are over the top, and risk doing great damage to the rich cultural life Britain enjoys in the way of foreign artists and performers, should sign the Manifesto Club petition and write to their MP about scrapping these absurd regulations.
