Victory for Visiting Artists Campaign UK

Subject: Victory for Visiting Artists Campaign UK
From: GUEST,Adrian
Date: 29 Feb 12 - 01:55 PM

Victory for Visiting Artists Campaign!

Great news today! Heeding a two-year+ campaign for reform by cultural groups and inviduals, Theresa May, the UK's Home Secretary, announces changes to immigration policy effective April 6, 2012. This delivers on promises made earlier this month by Immigration Minister Damian Green:"We do not want to be discouraging world-class performers from coming [to the UK]. I am aware that this has been a sore point for some time and we are taking action".

Starting this Spring, visiting artists can stay in the UK up to one month, under a new route, called "Permitted Paid Engagements". This route does away with a range of onerous and arbitrary fees and regulations in place since November 2008 (red-tape that was supposed to combat terrorism and illegal immigration, and, instead, prevented many legitimate artists and academics from making short term visits to the UK).

Congratulations and thanks to Manick Govinda, Josie Appleton and all their team at the Manifesto Club who led this successful fight, and rallied support, for a greater measure of justice and sanity. Celebrate!! (more details @ http://www.manifestoclub.com/node/893)

Subject: RE: Victory for Visiting Artists Campaign UK
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Mar 12 - 04:37 AM

But what about British Fokies looking for paid gigs in USA ? Will they let Les Barker in now ??

Subject: RE: Victory for Visiting Artists Campaign UK
From: nickp
Date: 01 Mar 12 - 04:52 AM

The Government seeing sense??? Maybe there's some hope for the rest of us!

Subject: RE: Victory for Visiting Artists Campaign UK
From: The Barden of England
Date: 01 Mar 12 - 05:36 AM

Terry - would that it were so, but I doubt it will happen.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Victory for Visiting Artists Campaign UK
From: GUEST,Adrian
Date: 01 Mar 12 - 12:19 PM

Yes, it is a hopeful sign. Brings to mind what Margaret Mead said: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

The PPE route for non-EU artists+ comes into effect April 6, 2012. For performers and presenters, it's a victory to celebrate.

Subject: RE: Victory for Visiting Artists Campaign UK
From: GUEST,Jim Knowledge
Date: 01 Mar 12 - 12:37 PM

I `ad that Les Barker in my cab the other day. `e was writing another ditty and trying to find a suitable rhyme for "zebra stripes".
`e sighed and said , "Morning Jim. Will you take me up the American Embassy, please. I s`pose I`ve gotta spend another fruitless day applying for a visitors permit to sing a few songs over there."
I said, "Well, that shouldn`t be too much of a problem."
`e said, "Well, if you`ve got any ideas I`m all ears."
I said, "Just go and sell some batteries up the Iranian Embassy. Your feet won`t touch and you`ll get a free flight!!"

Whaddam I Like??

Subject: RE: Victory for Visiting Artists Campaign UK
From: GUEST,Adrian
Date: 01 Mar 12 - 12:54 PM

It'd be welcome to see campaigns effect reform everywhere needed. There's inspiration to be found in each corner common sense resides.

Subject: RE: Victory for Visiting Artists Campaign UK
From: TopcatBanjo
Date: 01 Mar 12 - 05:38 PM

Excellent news, especially welcome for me as a fan of bluegrass, old timey and related music.