"The £38,700 Visa Threshold: A Looming Threat to the Art Sector"
The UK government's decision to raise the visa threshold for overseas workers to £38,700, effective April 4, 2024, spells trouble for the art sector, particularly in London but across the UK as well.
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With this increase of nearly 50% from the current £26,200, artists are facing an uphill battle to sustain their livelihoods. In London, where the average artist earns around £34,000, the new rule poses a dire challenge for artists to be able to get sponsorship from their employer. For emerging artists and those outside the capital, the prospects are even more daunting.
Many in the artistic community now find themselves at a crossroads, forced to contemplate leaving their profession or even the country altogether. Such a scenario threatens to erode the vibrancy and richness of the global art scene that London proudly boasts.
In the wake of the pandemic and economic turmoil, this latest government move compounds the difficulties already faced by artists. Yet, art is not merely a commodity; it is the lifeblood of London, attracting tourists, nurturing creativity, and sustaining the city's identity as a global cultural hub.
We must raise awareness of the far-reaching consequences of these new regulations on the art scene and its practitioners. Your support can make a difference. Whether by sharing the works of our artists or investing in their pieces, you empower emerging talents and safeguard the cultural soul of our city.
Join us in championing the arts and preserving London's status as a beacon of creativity and inspiration for generations to come.
Who are we? @zeitgeistartuk, emerging art with impact.
@zeitgeistartuk is a platform dedicated to supporting emerging artists who use their art to address socioeconomic or environmental issues. In the face of the pandemic and economic downturn, the challenges for emerging artists to establish their careers have only intensified. Therefore, we are committed to aiding talented artists whose perspectives are worth sharing, offering them a platform to showcase their work and amplify their voices.
About the featured artist
Hugo Raýman is a talented fine art artist who employs satire to comment on our societal relationships. In his latest series, titled 'Le Grand Décervelage,' he delves into the theme of human communication and the impact of our social bubbles. A prevailing theme throughout the collection is the concept of fragmentation and disconnection. Each piece is adorned with distorted figures, serving as a symbolic representation of how our understanding of ourselves and others can become fragmented and distorted when we are confined within our own social spheres. The utilisation of a monochromatic black and white palette serves to underscore this notion of disconnection, as the absence of colours signifies a lack of nuance and complexity in our interactions with others.
Given the perception that current political representation often resides within such bubbles, Hugo's artwork vividly captures the experiences we have witnessed in the UK and other parts of the world in recent years.
Hugo has held several exhibitions in Europe, primarily showcasing his original lino prints and paintings. His art frequently addresses themes related to environmental protection, as well as issues concerning freedom, human rights, and human decency.
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