History
From 1998 through 2015, Tamizdat Visa Services provided international performing artists with affordable, reliable, and artist-friendly assistance with the U.S. artist visa process, helping tens of thousands of international performers tour in the U.S. legally and affordably. In 2015, Tamizdat’s visa service migrated to our affiliated law firm, CoveyLaw, which continues Tamizdat’s commitment to providing affordable assistance to the performing artists community, but as a law firm, can more effectively advocate on its clients’ behalf, will address a broader range of client issues. However, Tamizdat remains involved with individual cases through TamizdatAVAIL’s pro bono work, and through Tamizdat’s Petitioner Assistance program.
TamizdatAVAIL — for pro bono assistance with many U.S. artist-visa problems
The volunteer attorneys of Tamizdat’s “Artist Visa Assistance and Information Line” provide 24-hour pro bono legal assistance to the international performing arts community, including strategic counseling and crisis assistance. AVAIL is designed to work in tandem with Artists From Abroad, the definitive web resource for foreign guest artists seeking visa and tax information. AVAIL provides pro bono legal assistance for case-specific questions that Artists From Abroad can’t answer. The program was launched with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information see TamzidatAVAIL’s page here. For assistance please contact avail@tamizdat.org or call (718) 541-3641.
Artists From Abroad — for free U.S. artist visa information
Artists from Abroad is the most complete and up-to-date online resource for foreign guest artists, their managers, and performing arts organizations. Immigration attorney Jonathan Ginsburg and tax expert Robyn Guilliams have authored indispensable guidance featured on this site, and we provide the forms and web links you need to steer through the process of engaging guest artists reliably, efficiently, and lawfully. The League of American Orchestras and Association of Performing Arts Professionals (formerly the Association for Performing Arts Presenters) have consulted with nationally-recognized experts to create this invaluable resource.
On the Move — for free international artist visa help and info
On The Move is a Brussels-based NGO that facilitates cross-border mobility in the arts and culture sector, contributing to the building of a vibrant European shared cultural space that is strongly connected worldwide. Born as a website, OtM has evolved into a dynamic network which now includes 50+ member organisations and individuals in Europe and internationally.
Petitioner Assistance
Performing artists seeking U.S. employment visas must have a U.S. entity act as their “petitioner.” This requirement can create problems for independent artists who lack strong relationships with a U.S. business or organization. In cooperation with Tamizdat’s affiliated law firm, CoveyLaw, Tamizdat addresses helps artists by acting as the U.S. petitioner for more than 2000 performers every year.