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12 March 2010
UK visa troubles for artists shortlisted for Artes Mundi prize
A number of artists shortlisted for the prestigious Artes Mundi prize have come across difficulties with obtaining a UK visa to attend the opening of this year’s exhibition.
Two artists from Kyrgyzstan, Gulnara Kasmalieva and Muratbek Djumaliev, were refused a UK Visa.
Their Artes Mundi shortlisted work is a series of video and photographic installations intended to capture the impact economic and political unrest has had on the lives of thousands of Kyrgyz people. It is one of eight other works shortlisted for the £40,000 prize.
A UK Border Agency spokesman told the Western Mail their failure to be granted a UK visa could be something as simple as the two artists filling in the wrong forms.
He said: “All visa applications are assessed on their individual merits and against the criteria set out in the UK’s immigration rules.
Fernando Bryce, from Peru, is also facing difficulties as he is unable to hand in his passport with a visa application due to travel commitments.
A spokeswoman for the Artes Mundi Award said they were doing all we can to ensure that Gulnara Kasmalieva and Muratbek Djumaliev will be here for the award ceremony in May.
The Artes Mundi entries will be on display at the National Museum in Cardiff until June 6.
The UK Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people lodge UK Immigration applications with the British Embassy.
