On Wednesday 3 June the Manifesto Club is releasing a new report:
'UK Arts and Culture: Cancelled, by Order of the Home Office'.

In November 2008, the Home Office introduced a new points-based system (PBS) and visa restrictions, which affects international artists and academics visiting the UK for talks, exhibitions, concerts or residencies. These measures have already had a disastrous effect on UK arts - with cancelled concerts, talks and visits across the UK. The Home Office has largely consulted with larger organisations and stakeholders - groups that are more likely to be able to cope with the bureaucratic hurdles involved. But it has not heard the anger and dismay from the many thousands of smaller organisations and individuals who are being affected.

This report is the first survey of the cancelled arts and academic events, which are the direct result of the new entrance requirements.

'UK Arts and Culture: Cancelled, by Order of the Home Office' details the effect on artistic and cultural exchanges from professional internationally renowned performers and cultural producers, to the more everyday local and community arts organisations, including:

· Two cancellations of high-profile concerts by the Russian classical pianist Grigory Sokolov;

· The cancellation of a visit by Iranian film director Abbas Kiarostami, to direct Cosi fan tutte for English National Opera;

· The closure of the Swansea-based Ballet Russe, whose dancers were unable to get Visas;

· The Canadian singer Allison Crowe was detained at Gatwick, then deported and told she would not perform in the UK again;

· Several UK universities are having difficulties putting together international lecture series;

· Arts organisations who are reporting extreme difficulty include: Belfast Children's festival, jazz clubs, salsa and tango dance clubs, Gregorian choirs, community theatres. Many arts organisations say that they can no longer invite non-EU artists

'UK Arts and Culture: Cancelled, by Order of the Home Office' has been written by Josie Appleton (Manifesto Club) and Manick Govinda (ArtsAdmin) who have been running a Campaign Against Home Office Restrictions on Visiting Artists and Academics - details here.

The petition has nearly 6000 signatories, including Iwona Blazwick, director, Whitechapel Gallery; Antony Gormley, artist; Eddie Berg, artistic director, BFI Southbank; Sandy Nairne, director, National Portrait Gallery; David Lan, the Young Vic; John E McGrath, theatre director; Malcolm Purkey, artistic director and acting CEO, Market Theatre Foundation, South Africa; Nicholas Hytner, the Royal National Theatre; Nicolas Kent, Tricycle Theatre; Brett Rogers, director, the Photographers' Gallery; David Barrie, director, the Art Fund; Jeremy Deller, artist.

The report launch coincides with a CABARET WITHOUT BORDERS - TALKS AND PERFORMANCES FOR FREE MOVEMENTon Wednesday 3 June at The Rochelle School in East London. Participants include the author Maureen Duffy, the artists Anthony Howell and Mark McGowan, and singer Barb Jungr. Details here.

Notes to editors:

1. The new points-based system includes harsh new controls on non-EU visitors, including: (i) visitors now must apply for a visa in person and supply biometric data, electronic fingerprint scans and a digital photograph; (ii) individuals must either show that they have at least £800 of savings, which have been held for at least three months prior to the date of their application, or the host organisation will maintain and accommodate the migrant until the end of their first month of employment in the UK; (iii) the host organisation must keep copies of the visitor's passport and their UK biometric card, and a history of their contact details; (iv) if the visitor does not turn up to their studio or place of work, or their whereabouts are unknown, the organisation is legally obliged to inform the UK Border Agency.

2. The Manifesto Club campaigns against the hyperregulation of everyday life. We support free movement across borders, free expression and free association. We challenge booze bans, photo bans, vetting and speech codes - all new ways in which the state regulates everyday life on the streets, in workplaces and in our private lives. More here.

3. To receive a copy of 'UK Arts and Culture: Cancelled, by Order of the Home Office' please email.

4. For media enquiries please contact James Panton on 07792 795 462 / email or Manick Govinda on 0790 535 7213 / email.

Ends.