The Musicians’ Union (MU) and British Underground (BU) have created a new taskforce to make it easier for UK musicians to get visas and travel to the US.
According to the MU, the initiative was set up following reports of cancelled tours and flights because of failings in the US work visa system.
The Music Industry Visa Taskforce initially met in December and is now consulting a wider industry group of musicians and managers.
One of its key aims to is reduce costs for artists travelling to the US. Currently, a four-piece band could pay an estimated £6,000 without flights, accommodation or crew costs.
Dave Webster, MU national organiser for Live Performance and chair of the Music Industry Visa Taskforce, said: 'This longstanding issue remains a huge concern to the MU. The aim of the taskforce is to persuade the US authorities to work with us to find workable solutions to the problems musicians encounter. UK musicians have always fared well in the US and it’s a significant market for our members.’
According to PRS for Music Foundation, visa costs represent 18 percent of the total amount requested by its International Showcase Fund applicants.
Commenting, Joe Frankland of the PRS for Music Foundation said: ‘It’s fair to say that roughly 50 percent of those invited to showcase at SXSW aren’t able to attend, partly due to the restrictive costs of visas.’
According to the MU, the initiative was set up following reports of cancelled tours and flights because of failings in the US work visa system.
The Music Industry Visa Taskforce initially met in December and is now consulting a wider industry group of musicians and managers.
One of its key aims to is reduce costs for artists travelling to the US. Currently, a four-piece band could pay an estimated £6,000 without flights, accommodation or crew costs.
Dave Webster, MU national organiser for Live Performance and chair of the Music Industry Visa Taskforce, said: 'This longstanding issue remains a huge concern to the MU. The aim of the taskforce is to persuade the US authorities to work with us to find workable solutions to the problems musicians encounter. UK musicians have always fared well in the US and it’s a significant market for our members.’
According to PRS for Music Foundation, visa costs represent 18 percent of the total amount requested by its International Showcase Fund applicants.
Commenting, Joe Frankland of the PRS for Music Foundation said: ‘It’s fair to say that roughly 50 percent of those invited to showcase at SXSW aren’t able to attend, partly due to the restrictive costs of visas.’
