Steph McGovern to Host New BBC Arts Competition, “The Big Deal”
demystifying the often-intimidating world of contemporary art, BBC Arts has announced a new six-part series, “The Big Deal with Steph McGovern,” co-commissioned with BBC Northern Ireland for BBC One and iPlayer.
The series,initially unveiled at the Belfast Media Festival in 2023 under the working title “The Art Game,” will follow seven pairs of aspiring art dealers as thay navigate the complexities of the art market for a chance to win a substantial prize. The competition promises a revealing look into an industry frequently characterized by its opacity.
The global art market is a multi-billion dollar industry, consistently generating headlines with record-breaking auction results and sold-out exhibitions. However,as one senior official stated,”For many,the art world remains shrouded in mystery.” “The Big Deal” aims to break down those barriers, offering a unique platform for amateur dealers to test their instincts and entrepreneurial skills.
Contestants, none of whom have professional experience in buying or selling art, will face weekly challenges designed to hone their abilities. These challenges will range from identifying emerging artists to cultivating relationships with established figures, attracting potential buyers, and ultimately, closing sales. The amateur dealers will be evaluated by Cordelia De Freitas, a series expert, alongside a rotating panel of guest judges including curator Matt Carey-Williams, artist Margo McDaid, and Ani Petrov, marketing Vice president for a digital art marketplace. The winning pair will receive £50,000 worth of art.
Host Steph McGovern emphasized the show’s accessibility, stating, “While lots of people are happy to splash out on theater tickets, music festivals or holidays abroad, spending time and money looking at, or buying art can feel a bit more intimidating. This show dispels the myth that the art world is exclusive.” She added, “I’m buzzing for you to see how our dealers, from all walks of life, get on when we take them into the heart of the art market, and along all the arteries that stem from it, with the ultimate aim of making money!”
Suzy Klein, Head of BBC Arts and classical Music TV, highlighted the series’ broader mission, explaining, “This series pulls back the curtain on one of the most fascinating but mysterious industries in the UK – the art market.Offering a fresh insight into how art is discovered,bought,and sold,’The Big Deal with Steph McGovern’ is a brilliant example of how BBC Arts can demystify the creative industries and inspire the next generation of art-lovers and collectors,while having fun along the way.”
The project represents a notable collaboration between BBC Arts and BBC Northern Ireland, supported by Northern Ireland Screen through the hot House initiative. Eddie Doyle,Head of Commissioning at BBC Northern ireland,noted,”We’re delighted to partner with BBC Arts on this exciting new format… showcasing local independent production company Stellify Media,while opening up the fascinating inner workings of the art market to audiences everywhere.”
Kieran Doherty, co-Founder and co-CEO of Stellify Media, described the series as “a fun and fast-paced new series that aims to test the skills of seven aspiring art collectors.” He added, “We’ve created a series that is visually exciting, tense, and full of real insights into contemporary art, and Steph is the perfect host!”
“The Big Deal with Steph McGovern” is a Stellify media production, commissioned by Suzy Klein and Eddie Doyle, with Amanda Goodman and Mary McKeagney serving as Commissioning Editors. Jo Bishop and Tracie O’Neill are the Executive Producers for Stellify media. The Hot House initiative aims to foster co-commissioned projects and will continue to support independent production companies pitching network projects.
The series promises to offer a compelling blend of competition, education, and entertainment, potentially broadening access to and appreciation for the contemporary art market.
