ACE has got talent

Arts Council England (ACE) is to become the agency responsible for determining whether applicants for visas to enter the UK from the arts and entertainment sector should qualify as being “exceptionally talented”. It is set to become a Designated Competent Body working with the UK Border Agency to implement the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category of the new points-based visa system, which permits entry to recognised world leaders in the arts or sciences. Tier 1 visas will create greater opportunities for artists, beyond the Tiers 2-5 opportunities currently operating. Tier 5 entertainer concessions only allow entry for up to six months, while Tier 2 permits a longer stay in the UK, and includes entry for “shortage occupations” including ballet dancers and orchestral musicians. ACE’s new remit will allow it to make recommendations under Tier 1, but the UKBA will remain the decision-making body on these and all other visas. Artists approved for entry will have to support themselves for the duration of their stay in the UK, but international artists are currently able to apply for funding through Grants for the Arts if the work is deemed to be of benefit to other English artists or audiences.

Guidance is being prepared to explain how ACE will manage Tier 1 applications, and set out the standards, evidence and documentation required. These guidelines will also be used by the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT), which will be assessing applications from the film, television, animation, post production and special visual effects sectors. ACE and PACT have been assigned 300 visas between them to allocate for this route of entry for the current financial year, and the new scheme will initially operate as a pilot, with a mid-point review to assess whether criteria, quotas and processes are appropriate.