Last updated: 22 May 2023
On 1 January 2021 the UK formally left the European Union. However, the people of Scotland voted decisively to remain within the European Union (EU) in 2016 and the Scottish Government continues to believe that EU membership is the best option for Scotland.
Creative Scotland shares the real concerns amongst the cultural community in Scotland as regards the impact that leaving the EU will have on their work.
Scotland’s distinctive cultural and creative excellence is recognised by people at home and abroad as a central part of our nation. International connections and the exchange of ideas have long been an integral part of that.
With the support of the Scottish Government and the National Lottery, we will continue to support artists and cultural organisations to take their work overseas and showcase Scotland’s creativity at festivals and cultural events across Europe and across the globe, alongside supporting the presentation of international work here in Scotland.
We are committed to staying as close to Europe as possible and will will continue to work collaboratively with our European friends towards our shared values and interests.
Useful Links
This page provides links to useful information and guidance regarding the UK’s exit from the EU and will be updated on an ongoing basis as more information becomes available.
Information from the Scottish Government
Information from UK Government
- Brexit | gov.uk
- Guidance for DCMS sectors during the transition period and after 1 January 2021 | gov.uk
- The arts, culture and heritage sectors from January 2021 | gov.uk
- The creative industries sector from January 2021 | gov.uk
- Working and touring in Europe - guidance for visual arts, the art market and museums | gov.uk
- Working, performing and touring in Europe - guidance for musicians and accompanying staff | gov.uk
- Working, performing and touring in Europe - guidance for the performing arts, theatre, opera, dance, circus and other live performance genre | gov.uk
- Travelling to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein for work
European Commission
Creative Europe Desk UK
Arts Councils
- Arts Council England | artscouncil.org.uk
- Arts Council Wales | arts.wales
- Creative Scotland | creativescotland.com
- Arts Council of Northern Ireland | artscouncil-ni.org
Sector-specific information
Here we have listed pages relevant for specific sectors relating to EU Exit issues. Please contact us if you have an active webpage you think should be listed here.
- Cross-sector: Culture Counts Brexit Portal
- Creative Industries: Creative Industries Federation
- Dance: One Dance UK
- Fashion and Textiles: UKFT Brexit Guidance for the UK fashion and textile industry
- Literature and Publishing: Publishers Association, Independent Publishers' Guide
- Music: Musicians’ Union
- Screen: British Film Institute, British Film Commission
- Theatre: UK Theatre
- Touring (outdoor arts): XTRAX – A Practical Guide to Touring After Brexit
Other useful resources
- Arts Admin Touring Guide - This simple, practical guide supports and empowers UK-based individual artists and small companies working in theatre, dance and live art to continue to tour work across Europe.