ABC Arts Week: Aug 7 – 13

ABC has announced an “Arts Week” of new titles showcasting the arts from around the country.

From Sunday August 7 audiences will be spoilt for choice with the opportunity to immerse themselves in art that will uplift, inspire, educate, and entertain.

Great Southern Landscapes (6x30mins)
Tuesday 9 August at 8pm on ABC TV
From the Producers of Finding the Archibald, art lover Rachel Griffiths returns to ABC screens and sets out to explore the fusion of art, social history, and travel to examine iconic Australian landscapes. Packing up her boots and backpack, she heads off across Australia to discover the exact spot where some of our most famous artists captured their interpretation of our iconic landscapes. Along the way she meets people who will help unlock the hidden secrets of the works and the untold stories behind them. Credits: Great Southern Landscapes is a Mint Pictures production in association with Magdalene Media. Production investment from ABC and Screen Australia. In association with Screen NSW.

Art Works
Tuesday 9 August at 9.20pm on ABC TV
Art Works is Australia’s only dedicated arts television program. We deliver candid, surprising, and unexpected stories from across Australia’s creative scene. From major exhibitions and festivals, intriguing artist profiles and touching personal stories, Art Works examines the role arts can play in our lives. We feature emerging creatives as well as established artists, and look to generate conversations, debate, and critical thinking. Whatever the story we’re presenting, our role is to make the arts accessible to all Australians. Join Namila Benson for a special Arts Week episode, which celebrates Australian creativity in all its forms. Credits: Art Works is an ABC Production, Series Producer: Bryson Hall, Managing Editor Arts: Edwina Throsby.

Walking Man (1x30min)
Wednesday 10 August at 7.30pm on ABC TV Plus
The Walking Man was a prolific Perth artist, hidden in plain sight, who’s work shines a light on the concept of making art just for art’s sake. This is the story of Ross Seaton, the Walking Man, through the lens of Professor Ted Snell, as he sorts through thousands of artworks and collected items hoarded and stockpiled in every room of Ross’s home to bring together an eclectic exhibition set to stun the local Arts community and beyond. Credits: Walking Man is a VAM Media Production, developed and produced with the assistance of Screenwest and Lotterywest. Director Luna Laure, Executive Producer Brendan Hutchens.

Jeffrey Smart (1x60mins)
Wednesday 10 August at 8.30pm on ABC TV Plus
The comprehensive story of one of Australia’s greatest 20th century painters. The documentary incorporates rich archive material including rare interviews with Smart and his long-term partner Ermes De Zan at their wonderful Tuscan farmhouse and vision of places around Arezzo that so inspired the artist. Further insights come from portrait subjects and friends Clive James and David Malouf, and leading Australian scholars Deborah Hart and Barry Pearce who curated major exhibitions in public museums. Credits: Jeffrey Smart is a Catherine Hunter Production, financed with the assistance of the National Gallery of Australia. Writer, Director Catherine Hunter, Producers Catherine Hunter, and Shelley Maine.

Anatomy of a String Quartet (1x50mins)
Wednesday 10 August at 9.30pm on ABC TV Plus
Guided by four musicians from the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Anatomy of String. Quartet takes audiences on an intimate journey through the rehearsal and performance of an iconic piece of string music. As the players explore the story behind the music, they also share in their artistic process and the challenges of collaboration. Credits: Anatomy of a String Quartet is a Stranger Than Fiction production produced in association with the ABC and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Writer, Director Joseph Nizeti. Producers Sarah Noonan and Jennifer Peedom. Executive Producer Jo-Anne McGowan.