TVOntario

TVOntario

TVOntario

Art raises questions, tells stories

Art raises questions, tells stories

Art raises questions, tells stories

and sparks debate.

and sparks debate.

and sparks debate.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Not Your Average Art Video

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).

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).

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).

Everyday Art Critics

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.


Beyond the Screen

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.

Looking at art does matter

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.

What they said

What they said

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.

John Ferri, VP Programming & Content / TVOntario

Next Project

Bravado Designs

Keep

Bravado Designs

Bravado Designs

AGENCY

Work

About

Contact

Services

Branding

Digital Experience

Campaigns

Storytelling & Content

Industries

CPG & Retail

Culture & Non-Profit

Media & Entertainment

Financial Services

Technology

Healthcare

Agency

Get in touch

+1 (647) 886-5236

hello@friendsandenemies.co

Work with us?

work@friendsandenemies.co

Follow us

Instagram

Vimeo

LinkedIn

Send us things!

Toronto

1655 Dupont Street
Toronto, Ontario
Canada

Get directions

Copyright Friends & Enemies © 2025

AGENCY

Work

About

Contact

Services

Branding

Digital

Campaigns

Content

Industries

CPG & Retail

Culture & Non-Profit

Media & Entertainment

Financial Services

Technology

Healthcare

Agency

Get in touch

+1 (647) 886-5236

hello@friendsandenemies.co

Work with us?

work@friendsandenemies.co

Follow us

Instagram

Vimeo

LinkedIn

Send us things!

Toronto

1655 Dupont Street
Toronto, Ontario
Canada

Get directions

Copyright Friends & Enemies © 2025

AGENCY

Work

About

Contact

Services

Branding

Digital

Campaigns

Content

Industries

CPG & Retail

Culture & Non-Profit

Media & Entertainment

Financial Services

Technology

Healthcare

Agency

Get in touch

+1 (647) 886-5236

hello@friendsandenemies.co

Work with us?

work@friendsandenemies.co

Follow us

Instagram

Vimeo

LinkedIn

Send us things!

Toronto

1655 Dupont Street
Toronto, Ontario
Canada

Get directions

Copyright Friends & Enemies © 2025