1.1: Does your primary professional activity fall under Art and Creativity as defined by the Arts Council disciplines (Combined Arts, Dance, Literature, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, Museums & Galleries with an art focus)? Description: The Arts Council considers applications under the following disciplines: Combined Arts (interdisciplinary projects, major art festivals, etc.) Dance (dance, choreography, production of dance performances) Literature (fiction, poetry, prose, graphic novels, literary festivals, etc.) Music (live and studio performance and composition, opera, folk, electronic music, etc.) Theatre (acting, directing, producing, stage design, playwriting, etc.) Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, exhibition projects, artistic photography, digital art, etc.) Museums & Galleries (art-focused: curatorial practices and exhibitions related to art rather than history or science)
1.2: Which of the following disciplines is the primary focus of your professional activity? Description: It is important to determine your discipline first to understand the relevant criteria. Which discipline best fits your activity over the last 5 years?
1.3.1: Is your practice interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary, combining elements from supported disciplines (Dance, Literature, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts)?
1.3.2: Are you professionally involved in (or do you contribute to the creation/promotion of) dance projects in one of the following areas? Ballet Contemporary dance Folk/traditional/culturally specific dance Street dance Social dance (ceilidh, Lindy hop, etc.) Jazz, tap Dance in the entertainment industry (musicals, shows, etc.)
1.3.3: Are you an author or contributor in one or more of the following fields? Poetry – printed, digital/audio recordings, or public readings Prose – novels, novellas, short stories (including digital and audio versions) Graphic novels and comics Children’s and young adult literature – writing or illustrating (with artistic value) Independent publishing – literature from the above categories Translation of original poetry and fiction Literary festivals and programming literary events
1.3.4: Are you a musician, composer, performer, or otherwise involved in music projects in one of the following areas? Classical and orchestral music – including baroque, chamber, and early music Brass and silver bands Marching or concert bands Opera Contemporary music – pop, rock, indie, alternative, metal, punk, soul, country, funk, hip-hop, R&B, grime, urban, blues, electronic, experimental DJ sets, production, remixes, turntablism, and original arrangements Folk, traditional, and culturally specific music Jazz Choirs and gospel Music projects for youth (excluding educational programs)
1.3.5: Are you professionally involved in theatre productions in the following areas? Musical theatre Physical theatre and pantomime Plays and dramatic theatre – excluding film and TV productions Experimental theatre Comedy – theatrical comedy productions, radio comedy, stand-up (not for film or TV) Variety and cabaret shows Pantomime Circus arts Puppet theatre and visual theatre Youth theatre – excluding educational programs New playwriting
1.3.6: Are you involved in or do you help promote projects in the field of visual arts in the following areas? Painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and installations Design and graphic design – for exhibitions (not commercial purposes) Artistic animation – not for mass cinema or advertising Illustration – exhibition-based, authorial comics, book graphics Digital art – for galleries, VR/AR art (not advertising, gaming, or marketing) Ceramics and decorative crafts – exhibition-based works Artistic photography – excluding commercial, advertising, and fashion photography Artistic video or video art – not for film/TV, advertising Sound art – installations, audio scapes, sound mapping VR/AR for exhibitions – in galleries and museums
1.3.7: Is your activity related to museums/galleries, but with a primary focus on artistic projects? For example, are you curating art exhibitions, managing art events related to contemporary art, theatre, music, literature, etc.?
2.1: Can you find at least three different referees (separate organizations/experts) willing to sign letters of support for your Global Talent (Arts & Culture) application? Do you understand that each referee must meet the Arts Council requirements and officially confirm your status (or potential) as a leader in your field?
2.2: Can you find at least one (first) cultural organisation in the UK that: Is recognised nationally or internationally; Has experience and status in your artistic and cultural field; Is willing to officially support your application (sign a letter confirming your contributions, achievements in the sector, and collaboration with this organisation); Can provide a letter from a senior manager (CEO, Artistic Director, Chair, etc.) on official letterhead (logo, address, contact details)?
2.3: Can you find a second referee from another cultural organisation in any country, who also: Is recognised in your field on a national or international level; Is willing to confirm your professional status and achievements; Can provide a formal letter meeting official requirements (logo, address, contact details, senior manager’s signature)? This organisation can be either UK-based or international.
2.4: Do you have a third referee who can sign another letter of support? This could be: A third cultural organisation (UK or international), or An eminent individual with recognised status in your field, who: Is willing to describe your collaboration, achievements, and future potential for the UK; Agrees to draft the letter according to all requirements (date, contact details, signature, biography/resume of the author, etc.)?
3.1.1: Do you have evidence confirming your media-recognition within the sector (reviews, critiques, articles) that evaluate the quality of your work rather than just announce/promote it? Description: The Arts Council accepts various types of professional recognition evidence. It is important that the materials evaluate the quality of your work, rather than just announce your activities. Examples of acceptable evidence: Reviews in professional publications or on reputable platforms Critiques of your projects, exhibitions, performances, etc. Analytical articles discussing your work Reports on competitions, grants, or awards confirming recognition of your work Official testimonials from curators, critics, or experts in your field
3.1.2: Were these publications released in the last 5 years?
3.1.3: Are you mentioned by name (or pseudonym) in these publications, and is there a clear connection to your activities?
3.1.4: (Group participation) If the article is about another person or group, but you played a significant role in the project, can you: Provide written confirmation (separate from the three Letters of Support) from the project leader/participant describing your role and contributions? Prove that the material is genuinely linked to your work?
3.1.5: Are the sources internationally/nationally recognized major media outlets (newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, reputable websites, or authors)?
3.1.6: How many professional sector publications have you had in the last 5 years? Publications can include: Articles, reviews, and critiques in professional journals Interviews or media mentions about your work Critical articles about your projects Official reports on competitions, festivals, or awards
3.2.1: Have you (as an individual artist) or a project/group you were involved in won or been nominated for significant awards in the last 5 years?
3.2.2: Can this award/nomination be verified with an official evidence (document, news, award website, press release)?
3.2.3: (Group award) If the award was given to another person or collective, can you find an additional referee who can sign a letter describing the significance of your personal role in receiving the group award?
3.2.4: Is the award related to artistic excellence rather than educational/academic (e.g., student prizes, grants, scholarships)?
3.2.5: How many awards related to artistic excellence have you received in the last 5 years? Both individual and group awards (where you played a significant role) qualify.
3.3.1: Do you have proof of professional performances, exhibitions, releases, or distributions of your artistic work (not educational, cancelled, or planned, but already completed) in the last 5 years?
3.3.2: Can you confirm these performances/releases with official materials (programs, posters, announcements, catalogues, streaming statistics, sales data)?
3.3.3: (Group participation) If you performed/participated as part of a group or with another artist, can you find an additional referee to sign a letter confirming your individual role?
3.3.4: Have these professional performances/releases/sales taken place in at least two countries in the last 5 years?
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