About
ABOUT THE SKY ARTS AWARDS
The arts are critical to all our lives. They bolster our economy, create communities, and bring us joy. They help us to empathise, reflect and express ourselves. Every time we listen to music, watch TV, go to a theatre or read a book, the arts are there for us.
The inaugural Sky Arts Awards will be hosted by comedian, activist, presenter, painter and the nation’s appointed Mummy, Joe Lycett, taking place on Tuesday 17 September at The Roundhouse and airing at 9pm on Sky Arts and Freeview.
As he steps into his new role as host, Joe wants to send a message to the nation about the state of the arts industry amidst funding cuts, rising unemployment and growing disparity. On Thursday 5 September, Joe announced the Manifesto for the Arts which is packed with cost neutral proposals that the Government could immediately action to improve conditions for people working across the arts and culture sector in Britain, even amidst trying economic times. Joe’s manifesto will be delivered to the nation during the Sky Arts Awards ceremony.
Building on the fantastic legacy of the South Bank Sky Arts Awards, the inaugural Sky Arts Awards will be the ultimate celebration of the industry, showcasing the vibrant landscape of British and Irish arts and culture and reward excellence across all the arts, all brought straight to your living room on Sky Arts and Freeview.
We’ll give awards which recognise significant contributions to 11 art forms: Classical Music, Comedy, Dance, Film, Literature, Opera, Poetry, Popular Music, Theatre, TV and Visual Arts. The ceremony will also include The Times Breakthrough Award, spotlighting artists who have exploded onto the scene, and The Lifetime Achievement Award. A brand new category will also celebrate our unsung Arts Heroes.
But it’s not just about statuettes. The evening will include a stellar line-up of exclusive musical and artistic performances which demonstrate the brilliance of our arts and cultural talent in combinations you’ve never seen before.
The Sky Arts Awards aren’t just a celebration. They’re a rallying cry to fight for the arts in the UK when the odds are so stacked against them, and a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who keeps them going.
We’ll see you there!