TVOntario
TVOntario
TVOntario
TVOntario
Art raises questions, tells stories and sparks debate.
Art raises questions, tells stories and sparks debate.
Art raises questions, tells stories and sparks debate.
Art raises questions, tells stories and sparks debate.
Client
TVOntario
TVOntario
TVOntario
Services
Concept, Branding, Direction, Writing, Production, Website
Concept, Branding, Direction, Writing, Production, Website
Services
Concept, Branding, Direction, Writing, Production, Website
Year
2022
2022
Year
2022
Project Link
TVOarts.org
Why looking at art matters.
Beyond beautiful or garish, surprising or offensive - art is above all powerful. It can change the way we see, feel, and think. Even when its meaning isn’t readily apparent, it sparks our curiosity, trains our analytical minds, and helps us navigate our increasingly visual world.
TVO Arts decodes and demystifies iconic works of Canadian art. By learning about the artists, their backstories, and their diverse perspectives, you’ll discover why and how they create and share their love of art. No art history degree required. We created a series of six short docs that unpack and decode works of art by Canadian artists. Unlike regular art explainers, however, the series asks everyday Canadians how they perceive art through their own unique lived experiences.
Why looking at art matters.
Beyond beautiful or garish, surprising or offensive - art is above all powerful. It can change the way we see, feel, and think. Even when its meaning isn’t readily apparent, it sparks our curiosity, trains our analytical minds, and helps us navigate our increasingly visual world.
TVO Arts decodes and demystifies iconic works of Canadian art. By learning about the artists, their backstories, and their diverse perspectives, you’ll discover why and how they create and share their love of art. No art history degree required. We created a series of six short docs that unpack and decode works of art by Canadian artists. Unlike regular art explainers, however, the series asks everyday Canadians how they perceive art through their own unique lived experiences.
The Enemy
Over the last decade, the shift to STEM education has been missing something. The Arts. As a leader in eduction, TVO sought to put the A back in STEAM and ensure the critical thinking of arts education wasn’t forgotten within our high school system — or in our everyday lives.
Canadian art is often viewed through a limited lens, and from limited perspectives — we were challenged to broaden horizons and introduce every day Canadians to the wide tapestry of Canadian art and artists from over the past century, from every style and era.
The Enemy
Over the last decade, the shift to STEM education has been missing something. The Arts. As a leader in eduction, TVO sought to put the A back in STEAM and ensure the critical thinking of arts education wasn’t forgotten within our high school system — or in our everyday lives.
Canadian art is often viewed through a limited lens, and from limited perspectives — we were challenged to broaden horizons and introduce every day Canadians to the wide tapestry of Canadian art and artists from over the past century, from every style and era.
The enemy
Over the last decade, the shift to STEM education has been missing something. The Arts. As a leader in eduction, TVO sought to put the A back in STEAM and ensure the critical thinking of arts education wasn’t forgotten within our high school system — or in our everyday lives.
Canadian art is often viewed through a limited lens, and from limited perspectives — we were challenged to broaden horizons and introduce every day Canadians to the wide tapestry of Canadian art and artists from over the past century, from every style and era.
01
01
Brushstrokes to Big Ideas — Unpacking the Artistic Process
Engaging with art doesn't have to be an intimidating affair. We went back to the drawing board and distilled the process into three pivotal questions anyone can ask: What do you see? What's the artist trying to say? How does it make you feel? This wasn't just theoretical—we dived into the archives, unearthing gems ranging from Emily Carr's atmospheric works to Kent Monkman's audacious compositions. Collaborating with artists, historians, and galleries gave us an all-rounded understanding, enabling us to present a diverse palette of Canadian artistry.
Brushstrokes to Big Ideas — Unpacking the Artistic Process
Engaging with art doesn't have to be an intimidating affair. We went back to the drawing board and distilled the process into three pivotal questions anyone can ask: What do you see? What's the artist trying to say? How does it make you feel? This wasn't just theoretical—we dived into the archives, unearthing gems ranging from Emily Carr's atmospheric works to Kent Monkman's audacious compositions. Collaborating with artists, historians, and galleries gave us an all-rounded understanding, enabling us to present a diverse palette of Canadian artistry.
02
02
Not Your Average Art Video — Innovative Production
We infused modern design elements into the quintessential art gallery setting. Techniques like layer-separating the artwork and adding custom illustrations allowed us to draw the viewer into the depths of each artwork. We didn't just talk about art—we showed it in a way that felt alive and evocative.
Partnering with the motion team at Eggplant Picture + Sound, we upended the traditional art doc format. Gone are the static camera shots and droning voiceovers - modern graphic elements, coupled with slick motion and contemporary music made each episode a joy to watch (and make).
Not Your Average Art Video — Innovative Production
We infused modern design elements into the quintessential art gallery setting. Techniques like layer-separating the artwork and adding custom illustrations allowed us to draw the viewer into the depths of each artwork. We didn't just talk about art—we showed it in a way that felt alive and evocative.
Partnering with the motion team at Eggplant Picture + Sound, we upended the traditional art doc format. Gone are the static camera shots and droning voiceovers - modern graphic elements, coupled with slick motion and contemporary music made each episode a joy to watch (and make).
03
03
Democracy of Perception — The Everyday Art Critic
Art shouldn't be a locked vault accessible only to the keyholders of academia and wealth. To make our series relatable, we decided to democratize it. More than 30 Canadians from diverse walks of life were interviewed for their candid perspectives on art. And to guide this unique journey, we brought in he incredible Catherine Hernandez, an aficionado and celebrated writer-director, to narrate the series. The end result is art education that is grounded, yet uplifting.
Democracy of Perception — The Everyday Art Critic
Art shouldn't be a locked vault accessible only to the keyholders of academia and wealth. To make our series relatable, we decided to democratize it. More than 30 Canadians from diverse walks of life were interviewed for their candid perspectives on art. And to guide this unique journey, we brought in he incredible Catherine Hernandez, an aficionado and celebrated writer-director, to narrate the series. The end result is art education that is grounded, yet uplifting.
04
04
Beyond the Screen — An Interactive Digital Gallery
Why stop at video? We extended the art dialogue into an interactive website—a digital playground where users could engage with art even more deeply. Built responsively with top-notch UI and powered by Sanity CMS, the platform became more than an adjunct; it became an expansive universe unto itself. With quizzes and interactive features, we taught users to engage with art in a way that was personal and highly intuitive.
Beyond the Screen — An Interactive Digital Gallery
Why stop at video? We extended the art dialogue into an interactive website—a digital playground where users could engage with art even more deeply. Built responsively with top-notch UI and powered by Sanity CMS, the platform became more than an adjunct; it became an expansive universe unto itself. With quizzes and interactive features, we taught users to engage with art in a way that was personal and highly intuitive.
05
05
Looking at art matters
We didn't just create content; we created a phenomenon. The series skyrocketed to become one of the most-watched docs on TVO's platform. But this was not just a flash in the pan. TVO Arts cemented its place as a foundational element in TVO's programming strategy, making the leap from online sensation to an ongoing feature in their broadcast lineup. Classrooms nationwide have also incorporated the series, broadening the scope and impact of art education in Canada.
Looking at art matters
We didn't just create content; we created a phenomenon. The series skyrocketed to become one of the most-watched docs on TVO's platform. But this was not just a flash in the pan. TVO Arts cemented its place as a foundational element in TVO's programming strategy, making the leap from online sensation to an ongoing feature in their broadcast lineup. Classrooms nationwide have also incorporated the series, broadening the scope and impact of art education in Canada.
When times are tough, art tends to slide down our list of priorities, but we should strive for the opposite approach.
Art educates and inspires—especially when it’s made from and about our unique place in the world. We need that a lot right now given the pandemic and everything taking place around us. That’s why we were so excited to introduce TVO Arts as a source of inspiration and reflection, and we will continue to build on this offering.
