BBC aiming to put arts in mainstream

23 March 2014 Last updated at 16:25

BBC arts content to be in mainstream shows, Lord Hall to say

A wider range of programmes will expand their arts coverage or cover the arts for the first time

The BBC is to feature arts stories in shows such as The One Show in a bid to make the subject less elitist.

On Tuesday, the corporation's director Tony Hall will announce new commissions including a series collaboration with the Tate.

Lord Hall will say the arts is at risk of becoming marginalised for future generations unless more is done to get children and young people engaged.

The acclaimed arts show Civilisation is to make a return after 45 years.

The landmark 13-part series series telling the history of western art was fronted by art historian Kenneth Clark when it was screened by BBC Two in 1969.

The BBC is now looking for a new authoritative presenter to follow in Clark's footsteps for the new series, which will use modern digital technology to provide a fresh overview of the history of art.

Civilisation presenter Kenneth Clark has left some big shoes to fill

A BBC source said: "Civilisation was a landmark programme. Producing something of equal scale will be a huge challenge, but we believe it is time to once again create something with the same impact for a new generation.

"The arts have been central to the BBC's past and are central to its future. As all arts organisations face the challenge of delivering more in a tight economic climate, it is vital that we work together in new ways to create a bigger and better offer to the public."

As well as including arts content in the One Show, the idea will be spread to other popular shows - including Radio 2's Simon Mayo show.

Lord Hall announced in October last year that funding for the BBC's arts coverage will go up by 20%.

The director general - who was chief executive of the Royal Opera House for 12 years before his appointment to the BBC - said he wants to return the arts to the corporation's "heart".

He announced in October that Simon Schama would front a five-part series in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery, exploring the history of Britain through portraiture - and that Andrew Marr would present a new series looking at the greatest writers in Scotland.