Can You Use Online Exhibitions for the Arts Council Global Talent Visa?
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the art world experienced a digital transformation. Virtual exhibitions, once a niche format, are now a common platform for artists worldwide. But as we help artists prepare their applications for Arts Council Global Talent Visa, one question arises frequently: Can online exhibitions count as valid evidence of Proof of Appearance?
We recently received a response from the Endorser that sheds light on this issue. Here is what you need to know.
- Online Exhibitions Can Be Accepted
The good news: virtual exhibitions are not automatically excluded from consideration by the Arts Council. If the exhibition was part of a professional artistic programme, it may qualify as valid evidence. However, there are a few critical requirements.
- What Makes an Online Exhibition Acceptable?
It must be:
- Professional in nature (not just a personal website or a social media post)
- Properly documented, with:
- Complete URLs or working links
- Screenshots
- Clear proof of the artist’s role and credit
- Date and country of the exhibition
- Evidence of audience engagement
But not all online exhibitions are equal. The Endorser explicitly warns that “vanity galleries” and events with no clear public engagement may not be considered valid.
The decision-maker will always conduct independent research to assess the credibility and professional standing of the appearance:
“Virtual exhibitions can be acceptable, as long as they are professional appearances, and they include proof of when and where they took place, as well as their role/proof of their participation. However, we will always apply our own research and judgment on whether any appearance is professional. Vanity galleries hold some virtual/online exhibitions, and some, it is clear, do not have any online attendees and do not have demand for the applicant’s work. It will always be down to our sector expertise, research, and judgment to determine whether an appearance is acceptable.”
Therefore, while the digital shift has opened new avenues for artistic expression, applicants must approach online exhibitions carefully when preparing a Global Talent Visa application. Not every virtual appearance will meet the Arts Council’s professional threshold. The key is ensuring your evidence reflects genuine artistic merit, professional appearance, and public interest.
Get in touch with our expert team if you are preparing your portfolio or seeking clarity on what counts as valid evidence!
