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The ABC has announced a stronger focus on the arts in 2025, including broadcasting six prime-time arts series, as well as live events such as Mardi Gras, Classic 100 Concert and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The ABC is proud to again be hosting some of the country’s biggest events, including the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. (Supplied)
There are some big names on the bill, as well.
Musicians Harry Connick Jr and Andrea Lam will act as guides on The Piano, where everyday pianists are paired up with well-known professionals.
In When the War is Over, actor and art lover Rachel Griffiths will look at how art has shaped our attitudes to war.
Namila Benson, Virginia Trioli and Zan Rowe will be returning with new seasons of The Art Of, Creative Types, Take 5 and Rage.
And in Portrait of the Year, artists from around the country will compete in a battle to portray famous sitters.
In The Piano, everyday musicians are guided by expert musicians Harry Connick Jr and Andrea Lam, and presenter Amanda Keller (right). (Supplied)
The ABC is the largest commissioner of Australian content. Earlier in the year, the ABC’s Chair, Kim Williams, signalled the need for the ABC to increase focus on the arts, as part of the broadcaster fulfilling its charter for all Australians.
He called for greater coverage of music, drama, theatre and other arts.
“Never before has Australian content mattered more,” he said.
Virginia Trioli’s Creative Types will be back in 2025. (Supplied)
The ABC’s Head of Arts, Music and Events, Kath Earle, said it was fantastic to see more arts content on the ABC in 2025, and looked forward to opportunities to do even more in the coming years.
“Arts is for everybody — and we need to find a way to cover the arts for all Australians,” she said.
The ABC’s Chief Content Officer, Chris Oliver-Taylor, has described the ABC’s arts coverage as “unrivalled”.
He said in 2025, audiences would see “premium homegrown drama”, a comedy slate delivering “some of our country’s biggest hits” and “children’s content that connects with kids, not only in Australia but all over the world”.