WORK PERMITS should be more readily available for artists hoping to work in Ireland, according to Visual Artists Ireland (VAI).
The group, an all-Ireland representative body for visual artists, has said that artists and creative professions can face major difficulties in securing permission to come here because of the country’s visa and permit system.
Chief executive of VAI, Noel Kelly, has suggested that the Irish system is beginning to “shadow” that of the points system in the UK. The body is currently supporting a protest by Liverpool’s John Moore University School of Art and Design over a recent ruling which prompted Britain’s Home Office to delete the accredited category of ‘writer, composer and artist’ from the UK work permits system.
Kelly said that the Irish system tends to “shadow” that of the UK, and that changes to permits and visas can often happen “by stealth”.
The UK Border Agency said that “artists would just have to fill in applications like everyone else”. VAI has argued that many categories are now based on criteria which are “very much salary based, and they measure the applicant on their ability to generate income.”
According to VAI, this can have a direct effect on the “diversity of artistic practices that has made the United Kingdom so key in international cultural life”.
The UK’s new Australianstyle points-based immigration system will ensure that only professions that are “needed” will receive a work permit.
According to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the current Irish system is “demand-led”. While there are no definitive categories for artists, writers or composers in the department’s ‘eligible occupations’ lists, international artists earning over €60,000 would likely be able to apply. This, however, eliminates any younger or less established artists.
Kelly sees further restrictions down the road with the dissolving of the Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK. He said VAI would be seeking more accreditation bodies for artists to be recognised on permits included in the Irish system. According to Kelly. VAI wants recognition for artists as professionals who have studied their craft and who want to come to Ireland whether it is to teach, to exhibit or to work.
“Accreditation is definitely needed for artists as is already the case with engineers, scientists and medical staff,” he said.
