Two New Innovative Arts Programmes For 2001

New Zealanders’ cry for television arts programming has been answered today with the announcement of funding by NZ On Air for two bold new arts programmes.

“We know that New Zealanders like programmes about New Zealand. Art, in all its diversity and in all the ways you can interpret it - is the most vivid expression of New Zealand’s culture that we can see on screen,” said NZ on Air Chief Executive Jo Tyndall.

“Now two new arts programmes will reach out to the regions and provide a fresh, bright approach to arts coverage.

“These new programmes are distinctly different from one another and will give television viewers a range of perspectives and approaches to watch and enjoy,” Ms Tyndall said.

The two series are The Big Art Trip, produced by Communicado, and Mercury Lane, produced by Greenstone Pictures.

The Big Art Trip is a series where two presenters, passionate about art, make a road journey around New Zealand visiting artists in their element. The series will focus entirely on art and the artist – and in particular, artists who are keen to reach a broad audience.

“New Zealand seems to have more people hell bent on expressing their own view of our culture than most other countries - extraordinary and gifted artists in all mediums. In The Big Art Trip, art encompasses not only the traditional forms, such as sculpture and theatre, but extends to fine design. Whether it’s furniture, architecture, clothing or jewellery, New Zealand designers have a unique style and world-class reputation,” she said.

“Seeing the art in context, and hearing from the artists, their friends and family, their agents and buyers will bring it to life for the audience,“ said Ms Tyndall

The second arts programme, Mercury Lane, will not only provide a medium for arts news, reviews and upcoming events but will feature stories that focus on artists and their work.

”The programme will have the flexibility to take time to explore artists and issues in some depth. The stories will be anything from seven minutes to thirty minutes in length.

“Mercury Lane will provide meaty, intelligent and creative television arts coverage,“ said Ms Tyndall.

Greenstone Pictures has been allocated $633,936 for the production of 13 one hour programmes of Mercury Lane.

NZ on Air has allocated $565,829 to Communicado to produce 13 one hour programmes of The Big Art Trip.

The programmes will screen on TV One throughout next year, in a 9.30pm time slot.

For further information:
Jo Tyndall
Chief Executive
NZ On Air
Tel: (04) 382 9524
This media release is available on the Internet, at http://www.nzonair.govt.nz

Mercury Lane $633,936
13 x 1 hour arts series
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Philippa Mossman, Greenstone Pictures

The Big Art Trip $565,829
13 x 1 hour arts series
Broadcaster: TV One
Producer: Thelma McGough, Communicado

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