The hashtags #EURefResults, #WeAreEuropean and #EUref have already been tweeted hundreds of thousands of times this morning, and the potential impact on the creative and performing arts sectors could be massive.
Here are some of the responses from IAM’s readers and followers, waking up to the news that the UK is leaving the EU.
Graham Sheffield, director of the British Council’s global arts programme, is far away but feeling the impact already:
@GSheffieldArts
Am tweetless and v depressed: elections can be reversed…referendum cannot. At least I am in Samoa tonight. UK no longer exists in reality
Opera singer Danielle de Niese found the results got in the way of a good night’s sleep:
@Danielledeniese
I couldn’t resist looking earlier and now I can’t get back to sleep to rest for my show tonight! #EURefResults #Brexit #turnout
Slipped Disc’s Norman Lebrecht posed a question:
@NLebrecht
Can London vote to leave the UK?
Michael Volpe, director of Opera Holland Park, had this to say:
@NoisyMV
‘I want to send a particular message to the almost one million Europeans living in London…we value the enormous contribution you make to our city and that will not change as the result of this referendum’
While National Campaign for the Arts chair Samuel West warned of ‘challenges ahead for the arts with EU exit.’ The full statement is on their website:
This arts fundraising manager ‘Hannah‘ had a positive message to make:
@hannahkaty
To every EU national in the UK who feels unwelcome today. I want you here. I am grateful for you. I am sorry. #EUref
Independent Film and TV Alliance Chairman Michael Ryan says UK exit could ‘devastate’ the creative sector.
Conductor Alessandro Crudele kept it simple:
@CrudeleConducts
Sad day.
While Liam Gallagher wants to exit in a different way:
@liamgallagher
Stop the world I’m getting off
The Association of British Orchestras posted that:
@aborchestras
The ABO believes it is in the best interests of its members to #remain. Our industry benefits from an open Europe, not closed borders.
Tour manager Jon Drape thinks we may need to buff up on our international law in order to cope with the change:
@jondrape
Thinking of running some carnet courses for tour managers #touringisgonnagetawholelotworse
Pianist Julius Drake expressed shock that many are feeling:
@juliusdrake
I’m in Brussels on my way home after a concert and like many, many British people I am in shock. Hard to believe what has happened.
Opernwelt writer Christopher Gillett is planning his escape:
@CJGillett
Tempted to pop over to the European parliament and beg for sanctuary.
Mark Pullinger, critic for Gramophone, had a similar idea…
@larkingrumple
Can London declare independence and stay in the EU, please?
While conductor Enrique Mazzola says it is a ‘sad day’:
@EnriqueMazzola
Today Barbiere #10 in Glyndebourne, UK…..BUT Europe adieu. Sad day. Senza senso.
Finally, comedian and author Danny Wallace took a lighter approach:
@dannywallace
I think this might harm our scores next Eurovision.