Brexit Touring Barriers Continue to Hold Back UK Creative Industries

New research commissioned by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has confirmed what many in the creative and cultural sector have been warning for years: Brexit-related barriers are causing significant economic damage and restricting opportunities for artists and creative organisations seeking to work across Europe.

The study, authored by Ipsos and Nordicity, estimates that between 2022 and 2024 the UK lost £208 million in GVA and nearly 2,500 full-time equivalent jobs as a result of new barriers affecting international touring. While music has been particularly hard hit, the findings also reveal substantial impacts on theatre, dance, orchestras and the visual arts.

For those working in drama and theatre education, these findings will come as no surprise. Our sector is interconnected with the wider creative industries. When opportunities for touring productions, emerging artists, technicians and creative businesses diminish, the consequences are felt throughout the entire talent pipeline, including schools, colleges and training providers.

A Particular Challenge for Theatre and Emerging Talent

The research highlights how smaller and mid-scale touring activity has been disproportionately affected by the introduction of new administrative and regulatory requirements. Visa requirements, customs processes, transport restrictions, taxation complexities and social security regulations combine to create significant financial and logistical challenges.

For theatre companies, orchestras and dance organisations, international touring has become more costly and more complex. The study found that orchestras have experienced some of the largest declines in international touring, while emerging performers and creative professionals face reduced opportunities to develop audiences and build sustainable careers.

These are not merely statistics. Behind every cancelled tour or abandoned project are artists, educators, technicians, stage managers, producers and creative entrepreneurs whose livelihoods depend upon the free exchange of cultural experiences across borders.

A Threat to the UK's Creative Future

The United Kingdom's creative industries remain one of our greatest success stories. They contribute billions to the economy and are recognised worldwide for their innovation, excellence and cultural influence.

Yet this research demonstrates that barriers to international collaboration are creating real economic losses and limiting growth. The report also concludes that reducing these barriers could generate significant economic and cultural benefits for both the UK and EU countries.

The message is clear: supporting cultural exports is not simply a matter of artistic value. It is an economic growth opportunity.

"Sort This Mess Out"

The Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) has welcomed the publication of the research, with Chief Executive Deborah Annetts describing the findings as potentially "game changing".

Her call for government departments to work together and "sort this mess out" is one that will resonate across much of the creative sector.

The Drama & Theatre Education Alliance shares that sense of urgency.

We believe that practical solutions can and must be found to remove unnecessary barriers that prevent artists, performers, technicians and creative organisations from working across Europe. We welcome recent commitments from ministers to improve touring arrangements and encourage continued dialogue between the UK Government, the EU and individual member states to develop workable solutions.

The DTEA stands ready to support government in any way we can. As a coalition representing drama and theatre education organisations across the UK, we bring expertise on workforce development, skills, training, education and the longer-term health of the sector. We would welcome the opportunity to contribute constructively to discussions aimed at restoring international opportunities for UK creatives.

Fixing Touring Alone Is Not Enough

However, while addressing EU touring barriers is essential, it must form part of a wider strategy to strengthen the UK's creative ecosystem.

If government wants the creative industries to thrive internationally, it must also invest in the systems that develop the next generation of creative talent at home.

That means:

• Ensuring all young people have meaningful access to high-quality arts and cultural education.

• Reversing the long-term decline in arts subject participation within schools.

• Recognising drama as a vital component of a broad and balanced curriculum.

• Supporting the recruitment and retention of specialist drama teachers.

• Investing in pathways into technical theatre, production, stage management and creative careers.

• Strengthening partnerships between schools, cultural organisations and employers.

The UK's global reputation for theatre, performance and creativity begins in classrooms, youth theatres and community arts programmes. Without sustained investment in these foundations, any gains achieved through improved touring arrangements will ultimately be limited.

Looking Forward

The publication of this research provides important evidence of the costs associated with current touring arrangements. It should also serve as a catalyst for action.

The creative industries have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to drive economic growth, create jobs, support communities and enhance the UK's global influence.

Removing barriers to international working is a crucial step towards unlocking that potential.

At the same time, government must recognise that the long-term success of the sector depends upon a strong education and skills pipeline. Supporting arts education, drama provision and creative career pathways is not separate from economic growth; it is an investment in future exports, future jobs and future innovation.

The Drama & Theatre Education Alliance looks forward to working with government, industry partners and cultural organisations to help remove barriers, strengthen opportunities and ensure that the UK's creative and cultural sectors can once again flourish both at home and across Europe.