Impact Study: UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals

TheCARIFORUM-EUEconomic PartnershipAgreement, signed in 2008, covers trade between CARIFORUM States and the EU and its Member States, and is expected to open markets in the creative and entertainment industries beyond WTO commitments. In addition tomarket access opportunities, the EPA, through the implementation of Protocol III on Cultural Cooperation, is recognized by CARIFORUM and the EU, as being critical to the development of the cultural sector in CARIFORUM. The Protocol covers a wide range of cultural activities in which the CARIFORUM region has distinguished itself (such as literary arts, theatre and film), thereby giving credence to the extensive opportunities available to CARIFORUM cultural practitioners. Notwithstanding, there are a number of challenges which inhibit regional cultural practitioners from taking advantage of the opportunities contemplated by the parties to the Agreement. These challenges include: ◗ ◗ the EU’s visa requirements, the numerous economic needs tests (ENTs) and the EU’s cumbersome domestic regulations, which deter some CARIFORUM cultural practitioners from participating in cultural activities in the EU; ◗ ◗ the absence of commitments by the EU in entertainment services under the independent professional rubric of the temporary entry regime, as CARIFORUM entertainers are primarily self-employed and may not be able to meet the qualification requirements to supply the service as independent professionals under the terms of the Agreement; and ◗ ◗ the inability to access much-needed technical assistance and financing to advance the development of the sector. There is therefore recognition on both sides that the Protocol on Cultural Cooperation has not yielded the anticipated benefits despite initiatives geared towards strengthening the sector. However CARIFORUM and the EU remain committed to continuing their respective efforts to facilitate the Protocol’s tangible benefits. Percival Marie Director-General of Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

38 Culture in the CARIFORUM-EU EPA