Storyvault Films brings “Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year” 2019 
to Hailsham, East Sussex

 

The search is on for the Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year (LAOTY) 2019 with the first and second heats taking place on the Herstmonceux estate in Hailsham Nr Eastbourne on 12th and 13th June 2019. Presented by actor and art lover Stephen Mangan alongside Joan Bakewell, the filming takes place over the Summer with each hour-long programme airing on Sky Arts and On Demand/NOW TV over ten weeks this Autumn*.

This is the fifth series of the show, which is produced by London and Glasgow-based independent production company Storyvault Films. “Landscapes” first aired three years ago following the enormous success of Sky’s Portrait Artist of the Year (PAOTY), also from Storyvault Films, that has captured public imagination since its launch in 2013. LAOTY boasts the titles of “best-performing, non-scripted series of all time” and second-biggest series ever for Sky Arts, with viewing figures growing over the course of the series.

Joan and Stephen are hugely excited to see what this year will bring and Stephen Mangan says: "Summer is here so that means I have the unbelievable pleasure of visiting some of the most beautiful and picturesque spots in the country and watching a bunch of talented artists produce works of art. It’s tough but somebody’s got to do it."

According to Marina Fonseca, Series Editor at Storyvault Films, Hailsham is a fantastic location for the series. “We're thrilled to be kicking off filming of the latest series of Landscapes at Herstmonceux. From the romance of the historic moated castle (once painted by Turner), to the observatory with its remarkable domes, Herstmonceux has views that will delight and challenge the most diverse of landscape artists. Not to mention the beautiful Sussex countryside setting. “

Joan Bakewell says: “It’s always fascinating to watch the artists grow and evolve their style throughout the programme and witness the incredible creativity in their interpretations of beautiful British landscapes – and to witness the debate amongst both the judges and viewers over which artist they believe to be the most worthy winner.”

 

Julie Ryan, Enterprise Director at Herstmonceux Castle estate says: “Queen’s University is delighted to welcome the programme to the Herstmonceux estate, former home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory. We hope that this unique setting with the contrasting views of the medieval Castle and the iconic domes of the Science Centre will inspire the artists taking part.”

The judges are artist Tai Shan Schierenberg, art historian Kate Bryan and independent curator Kathleen Soriano. The show not only highlights the tremendous artistic talent from every corner of Britain and Ireland, but also how the beautiful British countryside has inspired past and present generations of artists.

Hundreds of entries were received for the 2019 competition, giving the judges the difficult task of whittling them down to 48 artists who are taking part in six heats over the summer. The first two heats are at Herstmonceux Castle in Hailsham, Nr Hastings; the 3rd and 4th will be at Hoe Park in Plymouth; and the last two heats take place at HMS Calliope in Gateshead. Each heat is open to a further 50 “wildcard” artists who are invited to compete for a potential place in the semi-final which takes place at Cromarty, Nr Inverness in Scotland.

The winner of Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2019 will receive a life changing opportunity for any artist, a £10,000 prestigious commission for a British institution. This will be filmed in a dedicated hour-long programme which will chart the winning artists journey of their commissioned work, and go out after the final show.

We welcome people to come down and watch the filming and programme unfold. It is a closed set to reporters and photographers, however we will have our own photographer on set and will send these directly after each days filming as requested. We are also happy to put forward Interviews with the senior production team upon request. Email our press office for telephone appointments.

 

*Dates TBD. For more details about Sky Landscape Artist of the Year, information about artists taking part and stills from the series contact: Kerry Milliken at EyePR (Kerry@eyepr.co.uk) 07799 714006 and Lisa Moore (lisa@eyepr.co.uk) 07540142354