IGCAT and 79 organisations from the cultural field signed a joint statement to raise attention within European Institutions on the needs of the cultural sector in the framework of the Revision of the Visa Code. Organised and coordinated by PEARLE* – Live Performance Europe, this collective call seeks to influence current trilogue discussions between the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament concerning the review of European visa procedures.
The statement highlights that “the cultural sector in Europe desires transparent and easy application processes when inviting artists, cultural professionals, touring groups, and other from visa-required countries” on the basis that “a diverse cultural offer in Europe’s concert halls and arenas, theatres and festivals, city events or other cultural initiatives, allows to attract audiences, generate income for the cultural and creative sectors, as well as for other economic sectors (tourism, bars, restaurants, hotels…) and public sources.”
The main aim is thus to facilitate travelling to the Schengen area for artists and other professionals in the cultural and creative sectors from abroad, by ensuring increased clarity on the costs and application processes for visas.
The complete position document and the list of 80 signatory organisations are available here.
About IGCAT
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by guiding, facilitating, and supporting leaders in regions to understand the potential of their distinct food, culture, arts and sustainable tourism assets.
IGCAT provides the Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the European Region of Gastronomy Platform. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award the Local Food Gift Challenge, the Top Food Experiences of the Year and the Food Film Festivals project.
20 December 2018
