Schengen Visa Code and Cultural Mobility: Latest Insights with a Focus on Artists and Culture Professionals from the African Continent

The Schengen Visa Code presents persistent challenges for the mobility of artists and culture professionals, particularly from the African continent. This report, produced by On the Move as part of the Deconfining project, examines the ongoing challenges related to the Schengen Visa Code, with a specific focus on the mobility of artists and culture professionals from the African continent. Based on extensive collaboration with cultural mobility organizations and input from 131 individuals and representatives of organizations in Africa and Schengen countries, the report provides insights into visa application experiences, common obstacles, and the broader impact of visa policies on cultural exchange. It also reflects on findings from previous research while considering potential improvements and solutions.

*This report is based on a collaboration with On the Move’s members and/or partners who have been working on the issue of visas and challenges related to the circulation of artists and culture professionals for many years: alba KULTUR, Pearle* – Live Performance Europe, the International Music Council, and Zone Franche, as well as the Mobility Info Points.

→ Download the full report here.