BBC Radio 4 Launches ‘Artworks’ – A New Podcast on Arts & Culture

BBC Radio 4 has officially launched Artworks, a brand-new podcast strand dedicated to culture and the arts. This addition joins the ranks of popular BBC Sounds series such as Intrigue, Extreme, World of Secrets, Illuminated, and Limelight.

BBC Radio 4 Artworks Podcast Cover – A New Digital Strand for Arts and Culture

Table of Contents

What is Artworks? A New Hub for Cultural Storytelling

The Artworks podcast strand aims to showcase inspiring and groundbreaking artists, performers, and creatives from around the world. Covering a wide spectrum of cultural topics, the series will feature:

Influential Poets shaping literary history
Contemporary Artists breaking new ground
Singers, Actors & Dancers redefining performance arts
Writers & Directors influencing global storytelling

First Release: Role Play (Premiering February 24)

The first release under the Artworks umbrella is a new season of Role Play, premiering on February 24. This unique series brings together actors from different backgrounds, each reflecting on a singular iconic role they have played.

Episode Highlights:

Episode 1 – Playing Cleopatra: Featuring Dame Judi Dench and Dame Janet Suzman, reflecting on embodying Cleopatra in Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra.
Episode 2 – Blanche Dubois (A Streetcar Named Desire): Insights from Cate Blanchett and Patsy Ferran.
Episode 3 – Charles Dickens’ Fagin: Starring Christopher Eccleston, Omid Djalili, and Simon Lipkin discussing their interpretations of the infamous character from Oliver Twist.

Upcoming Documentaries Under Artworks

BBC Radio 4’s Artworks will feature a variety of compelling documentaries that delve deep into music, art, and performance. Here’s what listeners can expect:

🎶 Talk Talk: Living in Another World

Hosted by: Guy Garvey (Elbow frontman)
Explores: The mystery behind the enigmatic pop group Talk Talk and their legacy.

🎤 Hip Hop Homework

Presented by: Nkem Ifejika
Focus: A personal exploration of hip-hop culture, its lyrical explicitness, and the challenges of passing it down to the next generation.

🖼️ Art That Conquered the World

Narrated by: Art historian James Fox
Examines: How certain artworks gained international fame through changing tastes, auctions, thefts, and viral memes.

🎸 Paul Simon’s Political Storm

Investigated by: Lynsey Chutel (South African reporter)
Unpacks: The controversial rollout of Paul Simon’s Graceland album in the 1980s and its impact on global music.

🎬 Surrounded by Sound: Ray Dolby and the Art of Noise Reduction

Hosted by: Matthew Sweet
Explores: The life and legacy of Ray Dolby, the mastermind behind modern sound reduction technology in cinema.

🎻 Orchestras of Auschwitz

Led by: Composer & conductor Leo Geyer
Investigates: How prisoner orchestras in Auschwitz-Birkenau played a crucial role in the concentration camp and their musical arrangements.

Classic Documentaries Now Under Artworks

Previously released BBC Radio 4 documentaries will also be housed under the Artworks strand, making it easier for listeners to discover top-tier cultural content. These include:

What a Shocker! The Life of Leigh Bowery
Beyond Burns
50 Years of the Koln Concert
Dreaming of Connie Converse
The Hazard of the Die

BBC Radio 4’s Vision for Artworks

Matthew Dodd, Commissioning Editor for Arts at BBC Radio 4, shared his excitement about the launch:

“We are thrilled to introduce Artworks, a digital-first strand aimed at making our arts and culture documentaries more accessible on BBC Sounds. With the success of previous strands like Limelight, which ranked as one of the top five most-listened podcasts last quarter, we are dedicated to bringing high-quality cultural content to a broader audience.”

Why Artworks is a Game-Changer for Culture Enthusiasts

🎭 Rich Cultural Insights: A diverse mix of documentaries covering literature, music, film, and art.
📲 Easily Accessible: Available on-demand via BBC Sounds.
🎧 Featuring Global Icons: Conversations with legendary artists, actors, musicians, and historians.
🔥 Timely & Engaging: Covers both classic masterpieces and contemporary artistic movements.

How to Listen to Artworks on BBC Sounds

Listeners can explore Artworks by visiting BBC Sounds via the app or website. With new episodes dropping regularly, this strand promises to be a one-stop destination for art and culture lovers.