International Resources
International Resources header image

Issues involving visas, border crossing and international taxes can complicate the exchange of arts and culture. However, there are several organizations devoted to helping people navigate the system.

United States Resources

Artists from Abroad may be the best resource for touring artists. The League of American Orchestras and Association of Performing Arts Presenters consulted with nationally-recognized experts to create the most complete and up-to-date online resource for foreign guest artists, their managers and performing arts organizations. You will find information on visas, taxation and issues facing foreign artists. It is pretty much the first and last place to go to get the information you need.

U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a component of the United States Department of Homeland Security. This organization processes immigrant visa petitions, naturalization petitions, and asylum and refugee applications. Artist work visas are overseen by this agency.

The United States Department of State is the federal executive department responsible for international relations. It is equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries. This organization has some interest in promoting U.S. culture but is more known for defense and commerce.

United States Consulates Abroad is a site that has web links to U.S. consulates throughout the world. These links offer information on processing visas into your passport once you are approved by the USCIS; there is also other pertinent information on traveling to the U.S.

The League of American Orchestras leads, supports, and champions North American orchestras and the vitality of the music they perform. The League works to stimulate the exchange of innovative ideas and practices as they seek to promote unity across the orchestra field.

Association of Performing Arts Presenters is based in Washington, D.C. It is a national service and advocacy organization dedicated to developing and supporting a robust performing arts presenting field, and the professionals who work within it.

The American Federation of Musicians of the U.S and Canada is committed to raising industry standards and placing the professional musician in the foreground of the cultural landscape. They are a labor union that issues visa consultation letters for vocalists and dancers.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees is a group of moving picture technicians, artists and allied craft workers of the U.S., its territories and Canada. This labor union issues visa consultation letters for stage directors, costume designers and recording engineers.

Actors Equity Association seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. This is a labor union that issues visa consultation letters for stage actors.

 

Canadian Resources

Canadian Arts Council is part of the Department of Canadian Heritage and is involved with national policies and programs. It provides general information related to Canadian arts and culture, identity and society, heritage and history, international affairs and sport.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada is an agency that develops and implements policies, programs and services to facilitate the arrival of people into Canada in a way that maximizes their contribution to the country while protecting the health, safety and security of Canadians.

 

For more information please contact Kerstin Gilg
Director of  Grants and Accessibility 
Maine Arts Commission
207/ 287-6719 - vog.eniam@glig.nitsrek