Sky Arts will become free to watch this Autumn. The platform, which was previously only available for Sky and NowTV subscribers, is described as the only UK channel dedicated to the arts. Broadcasting content themed around theatre, art, music and more, it will be a truly unique addition to the Freeview line-up. 

Phillip Edgar-Jones, the director of Sky Arts, said that the decision was motivated by a sense of social responsibility. During lockdown, viewership has more than doubled for the station despite the struggles of the arts industry as a whole.

“There’s never been a stronger need or demand for the arts, nor a more important time to champion and celebrate creativity,” 

As part of the launch, a selection of brand new shows have been confirmed for the network. This will include: a biography of the band Style Council, a Harold Pinter documentary and the English National Opera’s La Boheme. Portrait Artist of the Year, one of the channel’s most popular programmes, will also return in 2021. 

Besides making the arts more accessible to the public, a number of £30,000 bursaries have been announced to mentor and support diverse and emerging talent. 

Sky Arts will be free to watch from September, with an exact date yet to be revealed.