Scotland's Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has requested an urgent meeting with her UK Government counterpart to discuss how the end of EU free movement is impacting the arts and cultural sector.
She has called on the Government to negotiate reciprocal visa-free access for artists and performers touring between the UK and EU.
In a letter to the UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, Hyslop argued that "extensive mobility arrangements between the UK and EU are crucial" yet "creative professionals now face significant barriers to these activities, including potential visa and work permit requirements, customs rules, and new rules for haulage, with increased costs and administration".
The letter follows a call with Home Office Minister Kevin Foster in which Hyslop raised similar concerns about the new immigration system and the impact of Brexit on creative professionals wishing to work in the UK.
Hyslop said: “Scotland didn’t vote for Brexit, but Scottish artists and musicians are facing huge barriers to touring and other short-term international work compared to their EU counterparts and will have to understand and comply with 27 different visa regimes.
“It remains a fact that Europe is the most important international market for many who rely on touring, and action is needed now to support musicians and other creative professionals to tour again, when it is safe to do so."