Culture Minister Ian Murray has promised the “full commitment” of the UK government to remove the barriers to touring the EU and UK. Speaking at the inaugural event of the Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC) in Brussels on Wednesday (March 24), UK Minister Mr Murray said there was “very much a will to try and find a way through this” and to tear down obstacles to touring.The CEC launched in December 2025 and is a coalition of people and organisations from across the UK and EU that create, support and sustain culture and creativity. It was created to support and promote the shared benefits of cross-border cultural collaboration. The organisation has the backing of a host of stars including Dame Evelyn Glennie, Jools Holland, Belgian conductor Dirk Brossé, and Level 42 bassist Mark King and support right across the UK and EU creative and cultural industries.In a speech at the launch of the CEC in the European Parliament, Mr Murray warned that without action on touring there was a risk it would not be possible to nurture the artists of the future to follow in the footsteps of global UK stars like Adele and Dua Lipa.
Mr Murray said: “There is a real political will both from the UK side and from the EU side to try and find some solutions to this because we have heard this is not just a UK issue, this is a European-wide issue.“There’s very much a will to try and find a way through this – and to do it as quickly as we possibly can.”He cited the words of Scottish percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, who recorded a video message for the event to voice her support.
Mr Murray said: “Dame Evelyn Glennie asks us to think about how we could find our way through this and she’s right and, I think, the phrase that was used was ‘live is to live’. And, if we don’t do that the whole industry is going to collapse. “We know how difficult it is in terms of touring and how difficult it is in terms of costs and the additional costs have become prohibitive. “So, there’s a full commitment from our side in terms of the UK government to fulfil the commitment in the EU and UK Summit to fulfil the aspirations of the Cultural Compass and to make sure we can have all our artists – whether it be UK artists in Europe or European artists in the UK – as seamless as possible.“Cultural exchange is hugely important not only for us to tell our own stories but also tell each other’s stories, to learn from each other. If we lose that, we’ll be much diminished particularly with the geopolitical situation at the moment. “There are forces out there that want to retell the story and culture gives us the way in which we maintain our history and tell the story about today and the future. So, there’s a full commitment from the UK government to try and resolve these issues.”
UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl said: “From the Eurovision Song Contest to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, there is a rich tradition of creative collaboration between the UK and across the EU. “This has boosted local economies, increased tourism, supported supply chains, as well as enabled the cultural sectors from across the continent of Europe to mentor, train, access talent and benefit from knowledge exchange. The result has been to collectively scale up and strengthen our shared competitiveness, soft power and global influence. “While the UK may have left the EU it is still very much part of Europe, yet the current deal is not the best that we can do. “The Cultural Exchange Coalition has come together from across Europe, and on the back of an outstanding launch in Brussels it has real momentum to win the hearts and minds to deliver on its mission. I urge the Government and Commission to build on this positive moment and strengthen the Common Understanding between the UK and EU on cultural exchange and touring artists.”
Anita Debaere, CEC Co-Chair and Director of Pearle*-Live Performance Europe, said: “Meeting colleagues from across the EU and the UK was a powerful reminder of the value of cultural exchange. We look forward to continuing a dialogue on cultural relations between the EU and the UK.”
Dave Webster, CEC Co-Chair and Head of International at the Musicians’ Union, said: “It was a pleasure to co-chair the CEC event at the European Parliament. The representatives from the EU and the UK delivered personal insights into the issues they face when touring which separately and in combination set out the opportunities within reach if we can make progress.”Among those attending the events and showing their support were former Government Minister and current member of the European Affairs Committee, Lord Brennan of Canton and former ballet dancer and member of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, Baroness Bull.
Hosting MEP Hannes Heide said: “What we must not forget is every solution is not only for the guitar player or the drummer on stage. It is also about technicians, engineers, truckers, Nightliner driver, merchandiser. So, it shows the whole ecosystem and how many people are contributing and are part of it.
MEP Bogdan Zdrojewski said: “Culture has always been one of the strongest bridges between societies. This event will reflect on the importance of connections. I am very happy that the UK will be part of Erasmus Plus for 1 January next year, I hope we can achieve the same with the Creative Europe programme.”
Lord Brennan of Canton said: “It has been refreshing to hear that both the UK and the European Union want to make touring easier for creatives. The Cultural Exchange Coalition is leading the way in finding solutions and the talks we have been having in Brussels are a source of hope for the future.”
Baroness Bull said: “There is now clear evidence that the failure to include provision for touring artists and crews in the post-Brexit arrangements means artists and audiences across the entirety of Europe are missing out: not just on the cultural, social and economic benefits of intercontinental touring, but also the artistic and technical innovations that arise from cultural exchange.
“MPs, Peers and MEPs on the Parliamentary Partnerships have repeatedly urged the Partnership Council to resolve this, and the collective voice of the Cultural Exchange Coalition adds valuable sector perspective and evidence to these calls.
“I hope that the new tone of optimism present at the first meeting will translate into the action so urgently required – for this generation of artists and for the talent of the future.”
The CEC’s inaugural events took place on 24 March in the European Parliament and concluded with an evening reception at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Brussels.
The European Parliament event was hosted by MEP Hannes Heidi and MEP Bogdan Zdrojewski. Guests at the evening reception were welcomed by Caroline Read, Deputy Ambassador, UK Mission to the European Union.
The European Parliament hosted the “The importance of cultural exchange between the EU & UK” panel discussion, which featured the panellists Lies Martens, Rosas Dance Company (Belgium), Suzanne Walker, Sadlers Wells Theatre (UK), Johannes Everke, BDKV (Germany), Joe Pointing, AdLib Audio / PLASA (UK), Davinia Galea, Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, (Malta) and Peredur ap Gywnedd – Musician with Pendulum, Musicians’ Union / Carry On Touring (UK).
Both events were attended by MEPs from across the political spectrum, Culture Minister Ian Murray, EU Commission representatives, members of the House of Lords, artists and creative organisations from both the UK and across the EU.
During the evening event at the British residence, attendees were treated to a special performance by Imogen and the Knife, fresh from her stand-out UK tour supporting The Last Dinner Party.
The event was organised by CEC members, UK Music, the Musicians Union (MU), Pearle*, PRS For Music, Independent Society of Musicians (ISM), Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN), LIVE, SOLT & UK Theatre, the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers(CISAC), the Association of British Orchestras (ABO) and the UK Coalition for Cultural Diversity.
Author: Sam Hyland
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