The Brexit domino effect: Culture and arts projects in limbo
Courtesy of Annie Spratt (via Unsplash)
Following a drawn-out negotiation period and a final vote, the UK officially withdrew from the European Union on 31st January of this year. A critical transition period now applies up to the end of 2020, during which the UK and the EU need to establish their post-Brexit trade relationship across a multitude of business sectors. What does this mean for the European cultural and creative sector, which some would argue the Brits have done more than their share to enrich and expand?
For now, all the rules and regulations around European cultural cooperation will continue to apply, a move which shields UK partners participating in the 2014-2020 cycle of the Creative Europe programme.
As for the next cycle kicking off in 2021? By then, stakeholders in the cultural and creative sectors are hoping an agreement will have been reached on cooperation around European cultural and creative projects.
“For now, all the rules and regulations around European cultural cooperation will continue to apply.”
For those wondering whether there’s any wiggle room to this impending full stop in Britain’s involvement in the EU, the short answer is no. Section 33 of the Brexit Act has put paid to that notion.
This means that getting agreements in place is of paramount importance by the end of the transition period, so as to avoid falling back on the less favourable option, i.e. country-by-country bilateral agreements under WTO rules.
For the European cultural and creative sector (CCS), this is quite frankly foreboding. Traditionally sidelined and pushed down the agenda, culture is an area where European countries want to excel, but often tackle last on the negotiating table. Best case scenario, new agreements around cultural and creative cooperation between Europe and the UK will begin to materialise in late 2021.
While UK creatives and artists will be reeling from the abrupt cut off in EU funding for their work, it’s hard to say what EU members of the CCS should do in preparation for the UK’s lapse in partnership. Potential negatives as of 2021 include increased administrative costs for performances, festivals and other cultural activities in the UK, a smaller pool of talent for collaboration and reduced mobility.
We’ll be keeping an eye on developments as they happen, and keeping you posted.
Arne van Vliet is the Creative Director of TrueMotion. He’s passionate about the creative arts and specialises in finding funding for innovative creative projects that are reshaping the arts landscape in Europe.