Constructive criticism from arts community reflected in latest immigration changes

The 'Migrations' exhibition currently showing at the Tate Britain highlights the contribution of migrants to British art and the wider cultural landscape. The exhibition includes paintings dating from the 16^th century, works by refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe and pieces by contemporary artists. Telegraph art critic Richard Dorment describes how it shows that "whatever vitality British painting has ever had depended on the presence here of foreign-born artists". 

The opening of 'Migrations' was timely. It came after a year of sustained criticism of the UK Border Agency's approach to international artists wishing to come to the UK by members of the arts establishment. They felt that Britain's cultural prominence would only be sustained if it could continue to attract talent from around the world. They argued that the UK Border Agency's attempt to integrate artists into the often uncompromising points-based system was stemming this flow of talent and thus threatening Britain's status as a haven for the arts. Whilst in the past Flemish and American artists would flock to London in search of patronage, modern artists have often been told that they needed to meet rigid maintenance and sponsorship requirements before they entered the country.

A collection of some 120 prominent members of the arts community, peers of the realm, authors, directors and musicians wrote an open letter noting the "great tradition of cultural exchange", of which the 'Migrations' exhibitions provides ample evidence. They criticised the points-based system as "inappropriate for short-term visits by artists" and the visa application as "needlessly bureaucratic and intrusive".

On 6 April 2012 the UK Border Agency took steps towards addressing these concerns when it introduced amendments to the visitor rules, creating a new category for a "small number of specified permitted activities where applicants will be allowed to receive fee payment". The changes in the rules are designed to allow for visits by professional artists and entertainers carrying out paid activities relating to their profession at the request of UK-based arts organisations.

The arts community is yet to react to the changes but the UK Border Agency's apparent willingness to listen to constructive criticism is a positive sign. It is hoped that productive dialogue between arts organisations and the UK Border Agency will be able to safeguard Britain's position as a hub of cultural and artistic exchange.