The purpose of this lexicon is to foster a deeper understanding of the arts and culture ecosystem and the unique working conditions faced by artists and culture professionals. By shedding light on these factors, we aim to equip those involved in visa evaluation processes with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions.

The target audience for this lexicon includes civil servants, administrators working in consular services, and personnel of government ministries such as interior and foreign affairs. By disseminating this resource, we hope to facilitate informed discussions and decision-making processes with regards to visa applications, particularly in the Schengen Area (although much of the content is also relevant in other contexts where visas are required).

The lexicon is a direct response to one of the key recommendations outlined in the 2023 report Schengen Visa Code and Cultural Mobility: Latest Insights with a Focus on Artists and Culture Professionals from the African Continent. This lexicon can also be read in the context of Article 16 of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

In collaboration with On tje Move, Africalia and MobiCulture.

Supported by the French Ministry of Culture.