Sky Arts announced five new Sky Originals which will bring the arts to everyone. Iconic women artists are at the heart of the channel’s growing slate, with new films on literary virtuoso "Edna O’Brien", art activists "The Guerrilla Girls", Turner Prize-winner "Lubaina Himid", tour-de-force "Maggi Hambling", 2-Tone legend "Pauline Black" and sister disruptors, "The Brontës". Bill Bailey will also continue to fight for the survival of heritage crafts with a third series of "Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters: The Next Generation", coming this autumn.
All Sky Arts shows are available on Freeview and are commissioned by Phil Edgar-Jones, Executive Director of Original Unscripted, for Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Chief Content Officer for Sky. Let's briefly review each of these proposals.
In the first place, we have "Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story," set to be transmitted in 2025. This film provides a profound portrait of Edna O’Brien, one of the most charismatic and controversial writers of her generation. As O'Brien shares her final camera interview, the film delves into her identity and the challenges she faced as an Irish woman and artist. Featuring readings from her personal journals by Jessie Buckley and insights from notable figures like Gabriel Byrne and Walter Mosley, "Blue Road" offers a candid and enchanting exploration of O’Brien’s life and legacy.
In the second place, we have "My Week With…," also scheduled for 2025. This series gives viewers a unique glimpse into the daily lives of some of the world’s most extraordinary women artists. Hosted by art expert Kate Bryan, the series captures intimate and candid moments as she spends a week with iconic artists, including The Guerrilla Girls, Lubaina Himid, and Maggi Hambling. Filmed partly on an iPhone, "My Week With…" offers an authentic and unfiltered view of these artists' creative processes and lives.
Next, we turn to "Pauline Black: A 2-Tone Story," which is slated for transmission in November 2024. This film explores the life and influence of Pauline Black, the iconic frontwoman of The Selecter and a pivotal figure in the 2-Tone music movement. Through unseen archive footage and contributions from notable figures like Damon Albarn and Jools Holland, the film delves into Pauline's journey and her impact on British society, particularly in the realms of anti-racism, sexism, and gender politics.
Following that, we have "Anita Rani – The Brontës: Sisters of Disruption," with an estimated transmission date in 2025. Hosted by Anita Rani, this program explores the enduring legacy of the Brontë sisters—Anne, Charlotte, and Emily—and their profound influence on literature. Anita takes a personal journey back to her hometown of Bradford, reflecting on her own connection to the Brontës and discussing their relevance today with fellow fans and literary experts.
Lastly, we have "Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters: The Next Generation," scheduled for transmission in November 2024. In this third series, Bill Bailey celebrates traditional crafts that are at risk of disappearing. The show follows twelve Junior Crafters as they learn and refine their skills in heritage crafts like blacksmithing, letter press printing, mosaics, and stone carving. Bill also explores Britain’s cultural heritage sites, emphasizing the importance of preserving these crafts for future generations.
Phil Edgar-Jones, Executive Director of Original Unscripted referred to the diversity of the artistic portfolio: "Arts TV is alive and kicking. We have a brilliant range of programmes coming down the line, whether that’s celebrating the greats in various fields from 'Edna O’Brien' via 'Maggi Hambling' to 'Pauline Black' and the 'The Brontës'. We are proud to be flying the flag for the best in British and Irish Arts," commented.
Related News
