Steph McGovern Steps Into the Art Market for BBC Two

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

BBC Arts has announced Steph McGovern as the presenter of a new six part arts series, co commissioned with BBC Northern Ireland for BBC Two, BBC Northern Ireland and iPlayer.

Titled The Big Deal with Steph McGovern, the programme was first revealed at the Belfast Media Festival in 2023 under its original working name, The Art Game. The series follows seven pairs of contestants as they enter the competitive world of contemporary art dealing, all with the aim of winning a substantial prize.

The global art market regularly grabs attention with record breaking auctions and sold out exhibitions, yet for many people it still feels difficult to access or understand. This series sets out to lift the curtain by placing complete newcomers at the centre of the action and letting them learn by doing.

Across the series, the aspiring dealers are encouraged to trust their instincts, think like entrepreneurs and see whether they can turn art into profit. While some have an interest in art, none have professional experience of buying or selling artworks. Each episode introduces challenges that push them to identify emerging talent, build connections with established artists, attract buyers and close a sale.

Their progress is overseen by series expert Cordelia De Freitas, alongside a rotating panel of guest specialists from across the art world. Among those judging the contestants are curator Matt Carey Williams, artist Margo McDaid and Ani Petrov, marketing vice president at a digital art marketplace. At the end of the competition, the winning pair will take home £50,000 worth of art.

Steph McGovern says the series aims to challenge the idea that art is only for a select few. While people may feel comfortable spending money on experiences like theatre, music festivals or travel, she believes art can feel more daunting. The show, she says, breaks down that barrier by following dealers from different backgrounds as they navigate the heart of the art market, with the clear goal of making money.