Mobile Artists. How to Support Artists on the Move | meeting
The ability to move between countries and continents is becoming increasingly important in the arts and culture sector — not only as a form of cultural exchange, but also as a key economic factor for many artists. However, working internationally comes with a range of complex legal regulations, which can present significant challenges for creators.
To help artists navigate these challenges when planning their international engagements, On the Move and the Mobility Information Points (MIP) network offer valuable resources and support. A significant context for this discussion is Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which prioritizes strengthening young creative professionals. Mobility plays a crucial role in their professional development.
On Friday 25 April at 14:00,Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art in Warsaw will host a meeting featuring Sebastian Hoffmann, who will introduce the work of On the Move: a platform offering mobility funding guides, and publications on mobility-related topics, and one of the most important resources for artists planning international careers: Mobility Information Points. These points provide free guidance on legal aspects of cross-border work, including visas, taxes, social security and customs regulations. MIP help artists to better prepare for their projects abroad, minimizing the risk of unexpected administrative or logistic difficulties, such as those related to transporting musical instruments or performance props.
Sebastian Hoffmann, a representative of the German MIP Touring Artists (http://www.touring-artists.info/), will share insights into the most pressing administrative challenges related to cross-border artistic work. Touring Artists is an information portal for mobile artists and cultural professionals, offering consultations on international projects, artistic residencies abroad and collaborations with international creatives.
The event “Mobile Artists: How to Support Artists on the Move” aims to encourage participants to overcome bureaucratic barriers and engage in international cultural exchange. The discussion will introduce key resources and contact points where artists can access free support and guidance to make their mobility experiences as seamless as possible. The event seeks to raise awareness of regulatory challenges in artistic mobility, helping artists and organizers better prepare for future international projects. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in discussions and ask questions.
Mobile Artists: How to Support Artists on the Move | Meeting
Date:25 April 2025
Time: 14:00-16:00
Format: Hybrid
Location: Cinema in Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art (Jazdów 2, Warsaw) / Streaming on YouTube (link will be available on the Facebook event page)
Admission: Free; tickets will be available at the Information Point in the main hall of Ujazdowski Castle
Language: English
Organizers: Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art, Zbigniew Raszewski Theatre Institute, Warsaw Observatory of Culture (members of the On the Move network)
Poland’s EU Council Presidency, which began on 1 January, focuses on supporting young artists and fostering a European identity among the younger generation. Cultural initiatives under this presidency include the EU Council conclusions on facilitating early career artists’ professional development and a conference in Warsaw (9-10 April). The Presidency will also continue discussions on artistic mobility and multilingualism, following earlier initiatives from the French Presidency. In the fields of education and sports, there will be a debate on the role of sports in shaping young Europeans’ sense of community based on universal values.
On the Move (https://www.on-the-move.org/) is an international network founded in 2002 with a mission to support the mobility of artists and cultural professionals through various means. Collaborating with diverse partners, On the Move also conducts research, mentoring, and projects aimed at promoting fair, diverse, and sustainable mobility in the cultural sector.