Charles Saatchi and BBC set to launch reality tv show to discover the next generation of artistic talent.
British art collector, Charles Saatchi, famous for launching the now established careers of “Young British Artists” of the 1990’s such as Damien Hirst and Tracy Emin and others, is set to preside over a new reality television show on BBC2, described as the Art X Factor.
In an attempt to be the next YBA Hirst or Emin, artists over the age of 18 and residing in the UK will submit their work online. All artistic genres, from painting to conceptual, will be accepted. A panel of art world experts will narrow the entries down to approximately 50 which will then be presented to Saatchi in the form of an exhibition. Saatchi, himself, will then select six of these artists to participate in the TV show “Saatchi’s Best of British.”
The six artist contestants in the show will enter a specially created three month intensive art school taught by as of yet, unnamed famous artists. The notoriously camera shy Saatchi will appear on screen interacting with contestants but will never speak directly to the camera.
After three months, Saatchi will silently select a winner whose work will be shown at the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, Russia, in October. The exhibition will then go to Saatchi’s new gallery in Chelsea, West London but the collector, himself, will not be permitted to purchase the winner’s work.
Saatchi said of the show, “I am looking forward to the prospect of finding undiscovered British talent. Anyone with a fresh creative approach should enter – because nobody knows where the next art star will emerge from.”
According to the show’s executive producer, Peter Dale, the show also aims to “demystify” contemporary art and spark debate. Viewers will be able to share their opinions on the series website.
If you are over 18 and reside in the UK you may submit your artwork at www.submityourart.com from February 2, 2009 - March 29, 2009.
(via Art Observed)
Wonderful; I can watch this on BBC2.
Artists seem to try too hard for fame and fortune. It is just like everything else, I suppose.
3 years ago • 5 notes
