International exchange is at the heart of many artist residencies, though visa issues have plagued the field, particularly since 9/11 and the transfer of visa processing to the Department of Homeland Security. For years the Alliance of Artist Communities has stressed the importance of a more transparent and streamlined visa process, one that allows organizations to be notified in a timely manner of visa decisions and that is consistent in the documentation required of artists and sponsoring artists.

At last, it seems progress is being made! The New York Times recently reported in "U.S. Pledges to Speed Up Visa Process for Artists" that the agency is taking steps to standardize and expedite the process for visiting artists. Click the link below to read more:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/23/arts/music/23visa.html?_r=2&src=twt&twt=nytimesarts