This page aims to provide a STRICTLY PRACTICAL AND APOLITICAL GUIDE TO BREXIT
for art, artists, art exhibitions, dealers, galleries and related organisations

Topics to cover:
  • Immediate impact
  • Official Guidance for Art Organisations
  • Tariff Codes and documentation for shipping
  • Import and export of art - sales
  • Import and export of art - for exhibition only
  • Copyright and intellectual property rights
  • Changes to VAT Rules
The UK formally left the EU on 31 January 2020

This page is very much a work in progress. 
It lists all known formal and informal guidance and advice relevant to art and artists
  • If you have a query please use the form at the end.
  • If you have a solution to a problem please also use the form to share 

I've also added in some artwork, notably by Banksy, via his Brexit posts on Instagram. He's not a fan - but the art is good - and that's what matters!

Immediate Impact - Transition Period
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What's likely to happen in the short term?

The UK left the European Union on 31st January 2020.
  • The current rules on trade, travel, and business for the UK and EU will continue to apply during the transition period.
  • New rules will take effect on 1 January 2021.

At present, the UK is in the Transition Period - and the terms of the Trade Deal going forward have still to be agreed
  • If a trade deal is not agreed, then everything starts to change after the transition period ends on 31 December 2020
  • The original expectation was the Transition Period would might take somewhere between 2-5 years. It's now anticipated to take 11 months.

Don't believe a lot of what the popular press tells you since most are politically motivated and just say what they want to hear.
  • Fearmongers predict awful things will happen.
  • Optimists predict the shackles will be the lifted.
The reality is likely to be somewhere inbetween.

Plus don't take too much notice of social media
  • Twitter is home to those who like to shout a lot.
  • There is, in fact, an awful lot of fake news out there. Always check out anything you find frightening.

UPDATE: July 2020:  The Government has formally launched its publicity campaign around the changes which will be introduced on 1st January 2021
BREXIT FOR ARTISTS TIPS: 
  1. Don't assume that everything will be the same - or that this is the end of the world as we know it! 
  2. Be flexible and allow more time for anything international
  3. Prepare to be surprised!
Picture
A whirlwind of change?
REFERENCE:

OFFICIAL GUIDANCE FOR ARTISTS
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The Arts Council has been delegated to interpret Brexit for art organisations. As all other organisations tasked with providing advice, they are challenged by the fact that nothing is as yet clear.

However they do include guidance in the event of a "no deal" Brexit.

The topics covered by the EU Exit Guide are as follows:​
some of the Government’s ‘no deal’ Brexit guidance which your organisation might find useful as you prepare. 
REFERENCE:
A recent (2016) Arts Council survey showed that most of their national portfolio organisations working internationally see Europe as their most important market: the EU makes up 59% of all international activity in the English arts sector
The Art of Brexit | British Council

Commentary relevant to artists and art organisations
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By art newspapers and journals
“The UK’s museums sector is already in a fragile financial position after a decade of austerity and could struggle with the substantial financial losses that could arise from loss of earned income, philanthropy and public funding in the event of a no-deal Brexit.”
The Museums Association
By art organisations
For now, many questions remain, and among the most common that collectors are asking Freya Stewart, CEO of art lending at the Fine Art Group, are: “Can I still move my art? What paperwork will be required? And might I be exposed to additional taxes or duties if I want to move art from the UK to Europe after the end of 2020?”
By artists
  • Artists for Brexit (Note: largely historical now) - a non-partisan voluntary association and network of artists, art workers and arts enthusiasts who support the process of securing independence for the UK. 

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE - GENERIC
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From 1 January 2021 you will need to make customs declarations to move goods into and out of the EU. You should:
- get an EORI number if you do not already have one
- decide how you want to make customs declarations and whether you need to get someone to deal with customs for you.
Official government guidance

REFERENCE:
Policy Statements as press releases All Transition Period Information
The Government website will be updating as and when required. LOTS of NEW information has been released during January and February 2020.

Customs Tariffs and Taxes
Travel
Living and working in the EU
  • Living and working in an EU country depends on the rules in that country.
  • You may need to register or apply for residency. You should check that you’re covered for healthcare.
  • You may also need to exchange your UK driving licence for a licence issued by the EU country where you live.
  • Check what you must do in the country where you live​

Expert Advice

Generic Advice by lawyers, accountants and tax experts

in development

Moving art from one country to another
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(in development)

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