Channel 4 Commissions Jimmy Carr Destroys Art

ClearStory has been commissioned by Channel 4 to produce Jimmy Carr Destroys Art, a TV experiment that sees the comedian invite an audience to destroy controversial artwork.

Set to air as part of Channel 4’s 40th anniversary programming, the show taps into the debate around the acceptability of art, historical monuments and problematic public figures. With special guests, Carr discusses what to do with art made by controversial artists such as Eric Gill, Pablo Picasso and Rolf Harris.

Shaminder Nahal, head of specialist factual at Channel 4, said, “This ambitious program aims to tap into contemporary conversations about art and culture in a challenging and provocative way. In the tradition of Channel 4, it is hoped it will provoke debate in a creative and ambitious way.”

Russell Barnes, director and co-founder of ClearStory, added, “Jimmy Carr Destroys Art is a show designed to celebrate Channel 4’s disruptive roots. By using a high-stakes approach, it shakes up how we see and talk about art. ClearStory’s brand is all about innovating new ways to think about serious issues through accessible formats. We want to engage viewers with compelling debate, making full use of television as a visual medium to question conventional thinking in a provocative and stimulating way.”