BBC shines light on NI’S arts world in new series

A new series of programmes commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland to celebrate the work of local artists, poets and musicians will be made available later this month.

The series will feature profiles on musician Neil Hannon, poet Medbh Mcguickan and visual artist Rita Duffy under the title Season of Arts.

There will also be programmes celebrating new faces in the world of the arts, including performances from Northern Ireland bands and performers such as Amy Montgomery, Joshua Burnside and Lilla Vargen.

Visual artist and author Oliver Jeffers will reflect on how world events and parenthood have affected his work with Joe Lindsay, and a new documentary will explore how a woman from rural Co Antrim became a bestselling author writing for Mills & Boon.

The broadcaster will also previously-broadcast documentaries and programmes, featuring bands such as Snow Patrol and the poet Seamus Heaney.

It will give audiences a chance to see what drives artists, musicians, writers and performers at a time when coronavirus has stopped the public experiencing live performance and visiting galleries and events, said the broadcaster.

Eddie Doyle, the head of content commissioning at BBC NI, said they recognise the value and importance of a sector which they have always been keen to support in Northern Ireland.

He added: “We wanted to provide our audiences with some new content and help to bring the arts to them during this challenging time, while also providing another chance to see some acclaimed arts programmes we have broadcast in the past.”

Highlights include Neil Hannon: Thirty Years Of The Divine Comedy, in which Hannon looks back on his 30-year career to date with the popular ’90s group.

The programme airs on BBC One NI on Tuesday, January 26 at 10.45pm.

Another highlight is Edward Carson And The Fall Of Oscar Wilde, a documentary tells the story of the court clash at the Old Bailey in 1895 between Oscar Wilde and Edward Carson, remembered as the leader of unionism and architect of Irish Partition.

It is also on BBC One NI on Monday, February 1 at 10.45pm.