Sky Arts has revealed a range of new Sky Original programmes, focusing on the arts and iconic women artists. The channel’s growing slate emphasises the importance of art and highlights the impact of remarkable female creatives. The programming includes…
Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story
Air date: 2025
This portrait of celebrated Irish author Edna O’Brien examines her literary genius. The programme reflects on O’Brien’s groundbreaking novel, The Country Girls, which sparked controversy and launched her career. The film explores O’Brien’s identity as a trailblazer, featuring her final camera interview and excerpts from her personal journals, read by Jessie Buckley. Contributors include Gabriel Byrne and Walter Mosley, offering insights into O’Brien’s legacy.
Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story is produced by SOS Productions Limited and Tara Films. Directed by Sinéad O’Shea. Executive Producer for Sky: Jack Oliver.
My Week With…
Air date: 2025
This new series offers an intimate look into the lives of extraordinary women artists. Art expert Kate Bryan spends a week with iconic female creatives, capturing their daily lives and work through traditional filming and iPhone footage. The series includes:
My Week With…The Guerrilla Girls
Kate Bryan joins the masked art activists The Guerrilla Girls, who have kept their identities secret for over 30 years. She films their campaign for equality in the art world.
My Week With…Lubaina Himid
This film offers a unique look into Himid’s life and work, with Kate given full access. Join her as she explores Himid’s obsession with reclaimed wood and her love for the northern city of Preston.
My Week With…Maggi Hambling
Kate spends long days with Maggi, capturing her daily routine and their conversations on creativity, muses, and more. This film draws an intimate portrait of an iconic artist known for her genius and wit.
My Week With… is produced by Factory Films. The Executive Producers are Lisa Fairbank and Julie Heathcote. The Commissioning Editor for Sky is Benedetta Pinelli.
Pauline Black: A 2-Tone Story
Air date: November 2024
Pauline Black, an embodiment of the 2-Tone music movement, has made a lasting impact on society. Her band, The Selecter, promoted anti-racism, gender equality, and social commentary. This film, featuring unseen archive footage, explores Black’s life, including her experiences with adoption, abuse, persona, and resilience. Contributors include Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson, Don Letts, Skin, and Damon Albarn.
Pauline Black: A 2-Tone Story is produced by Tigerlily Two Productions in association with Screen Scotland. Jane Mingay serves as Director and Producer, and Nikki Parrott as Producer. The Executive Producer for Screen Scotland is Mark Thomas. The Executive Producer for Sky is Jack Oliver.
Anita Rani – The Brontës: Sisters of Disruption
Air date: 2025
Anita Rani explores the enduring influence of the Brontë sisters—Anne, Charlotte, and Emily. The programme traces Rani’s personal connection to the Brontës and her journey back to Bradford, reflecting on how the sisters became literary disruptors.
Anita Rani – The Brontës: Sisters of Disruption is produced and directed by Wise Owl Films. Executive Producer: Mark Robinson. Commissioning Editor for Sky: Barbara Lee.
Plus this November will see the return of Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters: The Next Generation
Comedian Bill Bailey returns for the third series of Master Crafters, celebrating traditional crafts and heritage skills. This season, Bailey explores four heritage crafts at risk: blacksmithing, letterpress printing, mosaics, and stone carving. He meets junior crafters, offering them masterclasses and emphasizing the importance of preserving Britain’s cultural heritage.
Bill Bailey’s Master Crafters: The Next Generation is produced by Love Monday TV. Commissioning Editor for Sky: Barbara Lee.
