A continuous broadcast channel delivering 24/7 programming to audiences worldwide

(NEW YORK — August 6, 2018) — Art21 unveils Art21.live, a new curated streaming video channel on contemporary art. The channel draws from over 50 hours of film from the Art21 video library, all hand-selected.

Continuing in the tradition of delivering inspirational, thought-provoking video content to audiences worldwide, Art21.live is designed for audiences seeking to watch Art21-curated video content immediately without having to choose a starting point. Upon visiting the channel, viewers drop in on an in-progress live stream crafted from Art21’s Extended Play and New York Close Up digital series, as well as from each season of the Peabody Award-winning Art in the Twenty-First Century television series.

Each film in the Art21.live stream is purposefully selected and programmed by Art21 staff. Celebrated as a leader in documentary filmmaking on contemporary art and artists, Art21 has produced a rich catalogue of films over the last 21 years featuring over 200 of today’s most innovative artists, and has established its place as a leading influencer in the field of films on art. “In this age of data-driven algorithms, we choose to change course by hand-programming every second of Art21.live,” said Tina Kukielski, Art21 executive director and chief curator. “It takes a human to reveal the deep connections and through lines found across artists’ processes and ideas. It takes a human to create programming with personality and a point of view.”

“Inspiration can come when it’s least expected,” added Jonathan Munar, Art21 director of digital. “By broadcasting a thoughtfully-programmed content stream non-stop through Art21.live, we are providing our viewers the chance for unexpected inspiration around the clock. This new channel introduces a ‘surprise me’ element to complement the on-demand experience that Art21.org continues to offer audiences worldwide.”

Art21.live builds upon the achievements trumpeted by the recently relaunched Art21.org, which includes increased video viewership and retention more than doubling its previous numbers. With a programming grid scheduled in advance of the live broadcast, Art21.live becomes a destination for drop-in and appointment viewing, complementing the pick-and-choose experience presented by Art21.org.

The project was led by Munar and developed in collaboration with the Brooklyn-based design studio, CHIPS.

Tune in at Art21.live to drop in on the current broadcast feed, and visit Art21.org for on-demand viewing of Art21 video.

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Ninth Season of “Art in the Twenty-First Century” Premieres this September on PBS

Premiering this September on PBS, the new season of the Peabody Award-winning Art in the Twenty-First Century television series is presented in three parts and reveals the stories of twelve innovators in visual art—and, in a series first, a nonprofit art center.

Now in its ninth season, Art in the Twenty-First Century is the longest-running television series on contemporary art, providing unprecedented access to the leading creative minds of our time. Continuing the thematic focus introduced in the last season of the series, the new season draws upon artists’ relationships with the places in which they work: Berlin, Germany; Johannesburg, South Africa; and the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA.

Berlin has become a haven for artists from all over the world—a free zone where experimentation, individual expression, and international influences converge. From creating large-scale public projects to intimately personal ones, the artists in this hour demonstrate the diversity of practice and sensibilities in the German capital. The “Berlin” episode features Nathalie Djurberg & Hans Berg, Olafur Eliasson, Hiwa K, and Susan Philipsz.

Since the dramatic fall of apartheid in 1994, Johannesburg has emerged as the artistic capital of sub-Saharan Africa. Collectively, the artists in this hour use their work to empower marginalized communities, reexamine history, and pursue their visions for South Africa’s future. The “Johannesburg” episode features David Goldblatt, Nicholas Hlobo, Zanele Muholi, and Robin Rhode.

The San Francisco Bay Area is a magnet for artists who are drawn to its experimental atmosphere, countercultural spirit, and history of innovation. The artists in this hour are united by their steadfastness and persistence in creating; their art serves as an essential expression of their experience of the world. The “San Francisco Bay Area” episode features Creative Growth Art Center, Katy Grannan, Lynn Hershman Leeson, and Stephanie Syjuco.

Season 9 of Art in the Twenty-First Century premieres September 21, 2018 on PBS.

Major support for Season 9 of Art in the Twenty-First Century is provided by National Endowment for the Arts, PBS, Lambent Foundation, Agnes Gund, Ford Foundation, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, The Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation, The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, Toby Devan Lewis, Nion McEvoy, and The Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation.

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About Art21

Since 1997, Art21 has been recognized as a celebrated global leader in presenting thought-provoking and sophisticated content about contemporary art. It is the go-to place to learn firsthand about some of the most interesting working artists today—from the artists themselves—and is responsible for introducing millions of people to contemporary art and artists. Founded on the belief that artists are role models for creative and critical thinking, Art21’s mission aims to inspire a more creative and tolerant world through the works and words of contemporary artists.

Art21.org provides an unparalleled year-round, always-on look at working artists, a continuous digital presence for an organization that is widely recognized for a biennial television series. The Art21 video library houses over 50 hours of original video content—over 500 videos all open and free to the public. Reaching audiences of over 5 million a month, Art21’s digital initiatives continue the organization’s long-standing tradition of using the power of digital media to inspire audiences worldwide through exposure to contemporary artists.

Through its education program, Art21 engages audiences in dialogue about the contemporary art and artists featured in Art21 films. Art21’s educational initiatives include the Art21 Educators learning community, the production of interpretive resources, professional development workshops and lectures, and participatory programs and screening events.

To date, Art21’s short form films have had over 50 film festival acceptances across the world and have been nominated for a Webby Award and won a Cine Golden Eagle.

Art21 programs are made possible through the generosity of The Anna Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation; Agnes Gund; PBS; Lambent Foundation Fund of the Tides Foundation; the National Endowment for the Arts; The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts; The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation; and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.

Major support for Art21 is also provided by the Andreas Foundation; Ford Foundation; Alta Art; The David S. Howe Foundation; B & M Wright Foundation; the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; Bloomberg Philanthropies; Jane & James Cohan; Louise Eliasof & James Sollins; Ryan Rockefeller; and Brenda Potter.

Additional contributions are made by Paula & Jim Crown; The Gilder Foundation; Barbara & Andrew Gundlach; Toby Devan Lewis; the Marian Goodman Gallery; Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds Foundation; Nion McEvoy; The Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation; Deutsche Bank; New York State Council on the Arts; Howard and Cindy Rachofsky in honor of Jim Cohan; Ryan & Tucker Gates; S. Mueller Family; Sakana Foundation; Sara & John Shlesinger; Marybeth Sollins; and Marguerite Steed Hoffman.

For a full list of Art21 supporters, please visit Art21.org.

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Press Contacts

Katherine Wisniewski
Senior Account Executive, Sutton
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Art21
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