Moving Art is a user-friendly handbook that describes the procedures and regulations for the import and export of cultural goods between Russia and the countries of the European Union.
It is intended to be a practical guide for organisers of international cultural projects: museums and galleries, art experts, dealers and collectors, orchestras, concert managers, artists’ agents, musicians, artists, art lovers and even tourists - both in Russia and the EU. It aims to present the essential legal and administrative information in an easy to understand format. It provides up to date links and references that will enable users to find their way through the bureaucratic web. In short, to help art cross borders!
The handbook contains sections for Russia and the 27 countries of the European Union, outlining the legislation and procedures that apply in each country for the export and import of cultural goods. It explains the different procedures for temporary exports, as for a touring exhibition. The main focus is the visual arts, antiques and musical instruments, as well as other cultural goods that are covered by existing legislation.
This guide was commissioned by the Delegation of the European Commission to Russia. The idea for the publication came from Rosokhrankultura, the Federal Service of Legal Supervision in Mass Communications and Protection of Cultural Heritage, in the context of the road map which aims to promote cultural cooperation between Russia and the Member States of the European Union, culture being one of four ‘common spaces’ agreed at the EU/Russia Summit in 2005.
The publication in English and Russia was made in December 2007. The guidebook was researched and written by Judith Staines, a UK-based Arts Consultant, and Julio Pinel, a lawyer based in Barcelona.
It is distributed free of charge and can be downloaded from the webpage of the Delegation of the European Commission to Russia in English and in Russian.