Sky Arts announced four new Sky original program commissions as the channel becomes accessible free of charge. “We are excited to announce four new programs today which all speak to our mission to broaden access to the arts,” Phil Edgar-Jones, Director of Sky Arts, said. "There’s something on our newly free channel for everyone to enjoy!”
The new Sky original commissioned titles that were announced to include “Boys,” “Offended,” “Sky Arts Book Club Live,” and “Charles Hazlewood.” With a prioritzied focus on bringing more of the arts to more people, Sky Arts are embarking on an ambitious program of activity to support and champion the arts at a vital time for the cultural sector – putting artists, creatives, and public participation center stage on a channel that everyone across the UK can watch.
Sky Arts is now available to watch on Freeview and Freesat on channel numbers 11 and 147. Fans of the popular entertainment channel Pick will now be able to find it at its new home on channel number 34. While the Sky Arts linear channel is now free for everyone, the extensive Sky Arts On Demand library of art content, with more than 2,000 hours of shows, will remain exclusive to Sky and NOW TV entertainment pass customers.
In addition to a slate of new program commissions, the move to become free-to-air includes increased and deepened partnerships with artists and arts organizations, providing them with a platform to create and showcase their work. And to support new talent, the channel will launch a series of bursaries worth £30,000 each, that will see leading figures from the arts support and mentor diverse and emerging new artists
In “Boys,” Ashley Walters makes his directorial debut in a short film written by newcomer Jerome Holder. Set in East London, two best friends fulfill a promise made to one’s older brother, embarking on a journey that will shape them and the men they will become. “Offended” by Irvine Welsh explores the nature of the offense and its impact. He sets out to reclaim the right to offend, but not abuse, as an essential tool for artists.
In “Sky Arts Book Club Live,” Sky Arts recreates all the joys of a book club as hosts Andi Oliver and Elizabeth Day invite four members of an existing club to chat about new releases, favorite classics, and hear directly from different guest authors each episode. The show will air live on Sky Arts and the @SkyTV Facebook page.
Marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig Van Beethoven, "Charles Hazlewood" explores the life of the great composer. The channels offer programs celebrating music, culture, and performance, with the following key programs due to air in the days and weeks following Sky Arts’ free-to-air debut, Sky Arts Late, Brian Johnson Meets Dave Grohl, Guy Garvey: From the Vaults, Urban Myths, Danny Dyer on Harold Pinter, Life and Rhymes, No Masks, Portrait Artist of the Year & Portrait Artist of the Week, The South Bank Show, Boswell & Johnson’s Scottish Road Trip with Frank Skinner and Denise Mina and many more.
We are excited to announce four new programs today which all speak to our mission to broaden access to the arts.” Phil Edgar-Jones Director, Sky Arts
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