ISM calls on government to cover musicians' costs in event of no-deal Brexit

The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) has demanded that the government cover any additional costs musicians will incur when travelling to the EU27/EEA in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

The association has predicted that artists travelling to the EU27 with an instrument would have to pay an increase of up to £1,000 per year.

They would be required to purchase carnets – temporary international customs documents which cost around £500-700, depending on the value of the goods.

Additional predicted costs are private medical insurance, musical instrument certificates, international driving permits and visas.

Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, said: “As we know from our professional musician members, the majority of musicians do not have the capacity to absorb additional costs in the event of a no-deal Brexit, such as visa fees.

“These costs would be impossible for most freelance musicians, who earn on average around £20,000 per year. They would simply be unable to allocate up to 5% of their earnings to additional costs in the event of a no-deal Brexit.”

The music industry is worth £4.5 billion to the UK economy, and the IMS states that a no-deal scenario would hit freelance, touring musicians the hardest.

The ISM’s Brexit report can be found here.