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Presidential Commission: “We are losing on cultural affairs”Visa Process is Turning People Away; Releases Report on U.S. Public Diplomacy
WASHINGTON - At a State Department press briefing today, the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (Arts Presenters) questioned Barbara M. Barrett, Chairman for the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, on the role of cultural exchange in public diplomacy. Barrett stated, “We are losing on cultural affairs because of visa problems” and the “current visa process is turning people away.” Barrett also said that visa challenges have been a major focus of the Commission, who released their report today on U.S. public diplomacy efforts since September 11. “The Commission acknowledges the remarkable delays faced by cultural institutions. Their understanding of the impact on culture diplomacy is an encouraging sign for the performing arts,” said Sandra Gibson, President & CEO of Arts Presenters. “At a time when the United States is placing a greater value on international cultural exchange, arts organizations continue to confront untenable delays and uncertainties getting approval for visa petitions for international guest artists.” Wading through the process of obtaining nonimmigrant visas remains one of the top hurdles to presenting artists from abroad and bringing American artists to foreign countries. In a prepared statement, Barrett said, “current visa processes are hampering international exchanges and souring international perceptions.” “During this time of challenging international relations, the performing arts are a way to learn more about other cultures, open doors of communication and become exposed to different art forms. It is essential that we find ways to remain both safe and free to experience artistic diversity.” said Gibson. Arts Presenters has been working with administration officials at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and State Department on improving the visa process. Arts Presenters, in conjunction with Members of Congress and a number of other national arts service organizations, have proposed a handful of administrative reforms and a pilot program to reduce complications for foreign artists. Several commissioners commented about the need to engage new and innovative ways to use resources and employ technology to assist in visa challenges. Barrett called visa obstacles a “major problem that needs to be remedied.” Over the past few weeks, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, USCIS Director Eduardo Aquirre, Jr. and President Bush have all been quoted noting the importance of cultural policies and international understanding.
The Association of Performing Arts Presenters (Arts Presenters)
is a national service and advocacy organization with more than 1,700
members worldwide dedicated to bringing artists and audiences together.
Arts Presenters is committed to increasing community participation,
promoting global cultural exchange and fostering an environment
for the performing arts to thrive. A leader in the field, Arts Presenters
works to effect change through professional development, resource
sharing and civic engagement.
Arts Presenters and the League of American Orchestras manage, www.ArtistsfromAbroad.org, which offers the very latest rules and regulations affecting artists coming into the United States.
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