Creative, Arts and Culture

The UK's creative industries contribute £126 billion to the economy and employ over 2 million people. However, these sectors were overlooked in the original Brexit deal, facing new trade barriers as a result. Here, we highlight the economic and social value of the creative, arts, and culture sectors and propose solutions to the challenges they now face post-Brexit.

Latest posts in Creative arts

What is the value of art to UK-EU relations?
If you were asked about the value of art, you might be first drawn to the extraordinary sums of money dished out at auction houses around the world for a Picasso or a Monet. But alongside being a key driver of economic growth in the UK, art acts a far more nuanced societal good.
To be or not to be: The lost opportunities for Britain's performers
Between increased bureaucracy, visa troubles and funding shortfalls, Britain’s exit from the European Union has undermined that most quintessential of British industries, our world-leading creative sector. A Visa Waiver Agreement for Cultural Workers can begin to repair the damage.
The last government robbed British musicians of opportunities, the new government must give them back
Despite apparent recovery, it’s clear from talking to a range of music industry insiders that serious problems persist
British musicians playing European festivals bounce back to pre-Brexit levels but serious problems persist
New analysis suggests that while the number of British musicians playing major EU festivals has surpassed pre-Brexit levels this summer, difficulties persist particularly for up-and-coming artists.
EU musicians booked for British festivals down 40% post-Brexit
Figures published today by internationalist campaign group Best for Britain show that, on average, the number of European musicians scheduled to take to the stage at major festivals across the UK this summer has fallen by 40% compared to 2017-19
British musicians booked for EU festivals down a third on pre-Brexit
New analysis suggests that British artists are still missing out on opportunities to tour this festival season as the number of British musicians playing festivals across Europe is a third lower than before Brexit. 
Anger as government misleads musicians
Anger as government misleads musicians
Publications

The UK's culture sector and trade deals

Arts and culture is a cornerstone of the UK’s global influence and soft power. But creative industries have been badly impacted in the aftermath of Brexit. Read our report to find out more.

Brexit and the creative industries

Publications

A Visa System Fit for the Future

The UK needs a visa scheme fit for the future, with a youth mobility scheme, visas for performers and touring artists, and a policy that supports the needs of businesses.

Brexit and the creative industries