Four New Commissions for BBC Arts

BBC Arts has commissioned four new series for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, all set to debut in 2023.

Included in the order is the three-part African Renaissance, in which journalist Afua Hirsch explores the cultures of Africa. She heads to Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco, three of the continent’s biggest countries, where she meets artists and performers who are leading cultural change.

African Renaissance is produced by ClearStory, with Russell Barnes executive producing.

The six-part series Treasures of the National Trust (w.t) follows on from Secrets of the Museum. Produced by Blast! By the Sea, it tells the hidden stories of the National Trust and the objects found within, ranging from an ornate Chinese bridge at Biddulph Grange Gardens in Stoke-on-Trent to the brick-pattern wallpaper of Paul McCartney’s childhood home. Executive producers are Sacha Baveystock and Sarah Spencer.

From Minnow Films, Picasso (w.t.) marks 50 years since Pablo Picasso’s death. It tells the story of one of the greatest and most controversial artists of the 20th century. Sophie Leonard and Greg Sanderson are executive producing.

Lastly, Inside the Moulin Rouge (w.t.) takes viewers into the world’s most famous cabaret, run by Janet Pharaoh, a Yorkshirewoman. The series follows her as she recruits a new cohort of dancers to the team. Dragonfly North, a Banijay UK company, is producing. Executive producers are Peter Wallis-Tayler and Ros Ponder.

“I’m delighted that these programs for 2023 showcase BBC Arts’ reputation for making documentaries of depth, complexity, discovery and unparalleled quality,” said Suzy Klein, head of arts and classical music TV at the BBC. “Fifty years after his death, Pablo Picasso remains a provocative figure, whose life and work still challenge and delight in equal measure. The return of Afua Hirsch to Africa—the youngest and most culturally dynamic continent on Earth right now—promises to be full of energy and discovery. Treasures of the National Trust takes our audiences beyond the velvet rope and into the backstories of treasured artifacts, buildings and the multi-layered stories of the owners of these historic houses. And Inside the Moulin Rouge takes us behind the scenes in Paris to discover a British cultural success story—the world’s most famous music-hall, dominated by dancers from across the U.K. and led by feisty Yorkshirewoman Janet Pharaoh.”