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Arts Presenters, Yo-Yo Ma and Microsoft Call on Congress for Visa Reform
WASHINGTON - Arts Presenters President/CEO Sandra Gibson and world-renowned musician, Yo-Yo Ma, testified on visa challenges in the performing arts as part of the U.S. House of Representatives Government Reform Committee's hearing on balancing security and openness in the visa process. "This is about the intersection of culture and commerce and the critical need for access and exchange," said Gibson. "The vagaries of the visa process place our industry in jeopardy - facing unpredictable economic losses associated with delays and in worst-case scenarios complete cancellations of performances and tours. When performances and tours are cancelled, the American public loses out on these rich cultural experiences," said Gibson. In 2002, Arts Presenters conducted a survey that showed nearly 75% of organizations in our industry were presenting foreign artists. By 2005, that number dropped to almost 60%. Arts Presenters provided the committee a list of recommendations to improve the visa process. Yo-Yo Ma's Congressional appearance, his first in more than 15 years, added the experience of artists with the visa process. "There is a real desire, even a need, for cultural richness and diversity today. American audiences are thirsty for new cultural experiences and are eager to understand the inside of these foreign places," said Ma. When asked by Committee Chairman Tom Davis (VA-11) to characterize the visa experience of visiting artists, Ma responded, "Artists lose their dignity." Representatives from Microsoft, Association of Equipment Manufacturers and Ingersoll-Rand spoke about how the current U.S. visa process is stifling U.S. innovation and competitiveness. Officials from the Department of State and Government Accountability Office also testified about the status of delays at the State department and the plans for improvement.
MEDIA NOTE: Full testimony and photos from the hearing are available from Arts Presenters by calling 202.207.3844 or 202.207.3856. The Association of Performing Arts Presenters (Arts Presenters) is the largest national service and advocacy organization for the performing arts, and is dedicated to bringing artists and audiences together through presenting and touring. With over 1,900 members worldwide, Arts Presenters is committed to increasing community participation, promoting global cultural exchange, and fostering an environment for the performing arts to thrive. www.artspresenters.org. |
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