ABO contributes to UK–EU cultural exchange discussions in Brussels and Westminster
The Association of British Orchestras (ABO)
has played an active role in a significant week of advocacy for the UK’s
orchestral and wider music sector, contributing to high-level discussions on
cultural exchange and international touring both in Brussels and in Whitehall.
As a member of the Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC) steering committee, the ABO joined partners from across the UK and Europe in Brussels for a series of events with policymakers, sector leaders and EU representatives, including Hannes Heide MEP , Bogdan Zdrojewski MEP, Georg Haeusler, Deputy Director-General, for Culture, Creativity and Sport in the European Commission and Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, Ian Murray. These discussions focused on strengthening UK–EU cultural collaboration and addressing the ongoing barriers facing artists and ensembles working across borders.
The programme included engagements at the European Parliament and the UK Mission to the EU, where there was strong consensus on the need to translate political commitments into practical solutions that support touring and enable deeper artistic exchange. Delegates highlighted both the cultural and economic importance of mobility for musicians, ensembles and creative professionals.
The Brussels activity builds on the work of the CEC, which brings together organisations from across the creative industries to advocate for improved arrangements for touring and collaboration following the UK’s exit from the EU.
The week also saw political momentum at UK level with an orchestral sector roundtable held with Minister Ian Murray, where the Minister reinforced his commitment to tackling touring barriers as well as addressing critical issues of domestic touring, devolution, cultural tax reliefs and music education.
The ABO will continue to work closely with partners across the CEC and with government to ensure that the voice of the UK’s orchestral sector is heard.
The CEC events were 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.