A reminder of the genius of 17th century Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens. Franz Ferdinand reveal the ideas behind their songs, and the homeless stage an opera in Nottingham. Plus the restoration of Bexhill's modernist masterpiece, the De La Warr Pavilion, and Salman Rushdie's gruelling publicity tour of Britain and the United States for his book Shalimar the Clown. Air Date : 6th-Oct-2005

A reminder of the genius of 17th century Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens. Franz Ferdinand reveal the ideas behind their songs, and the homeless stage an opera in Nottingham. Plus the restoration of Bexhill's modernist masterpiece, the De La Warr Pavilion, and Salman Rushdie's gruelling publicity tour of Britain and the United States for his book Shalimar the Clown. Air Date : 6th-Oct-2005  Read More

With John Le Carre's novel The Constant Gardener on release as a film, the writer talks about conspiracy theories. Plus sculptor Rachel Whiteread's work for Tate Modern; the search for Britain's best city for music; director Todd Solondz on photographer Diane Arbus's bizarre vision; the boom in guides to modern etiquette; and Britain's new ballet capital - Birmingham. Air Date : 13th-Oct-2005  Read More

Comment on the Turner Prize shortlist, while Henri Rousseau's paintings come to the Tate. Director Tim Burton talks about Corpse Bride and the rising musical stars of the F-ire Collective explain how they plan to shake up British jazz. Plus a glimpse of one of the most ambitious pieces of public art since the Angel of the North. Air Date : 20th-Oct-2005  Read More

An exclusive encounter with the secretive guerrilla graffiti artist Banksy, a report into the search for an authentic portrait of William Shakespeare, plus a rare interview with composer Karlheinz Stockhausen. Air Date : 27th-Oct-2005  Read More

A rare interview with controversial French author Michel Houellebecq on his new book, The Possibility of an Island, Sir Timothy Clifford on 21 years as the head of Scotland's National Galleries, and how the search for a new way of dealing with the visual arts in remote rural areas has thrown up a new musical fusion: knitting and opera. Air Date : 3rd-Nov-2005  Read More

An exhibition at the Royal Academy titled Three Emperors kicks off a season of China-related cultural events in London. Michael Rosen searches Britain for "suburban utopia" in recognition of 50 years of Ian Nairn's controversial book Counter-attack against Subtopia. Martha Wainwright discusses her music. Tom Hunter talks about photographing modern versions of Old Master paintings. Valery Gergiev reflects on the music of Shostakovitch. Air Date : 10th-Nov-2005  Read More

Young soprano Katherine Jenkins is the fastest-selling female opera singer since Maria Callas - we consider the canny marketing of popular classical music. George Michael discusses songwriting. Artists' quest for the perfect shade of white. Annie Mac casts off for a spot of fishing as we ask whether angling can ever become female friendly. Air Date : 24th-Nov-2005  Read More

An interview with composer Philip Glass as he returns to Britain with pieces originally scored for Godfrey Reggio's Qats; trilogy of wordless films. Plus, George Michael discusses sex, his musical influences and the industry itself. And as the Christmas panto season gets under way, performers from around the country share dreams, frustrations and tantrums. Air Date : 1st-Dec-2005  Read More

Andy Serkis, the British actor who so memorably created the character of Gollum for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, talks of his new role as titular star of Peter Jackson's King Kong. Plus Matthew Sweet reporting on the ways new technology will affect our roles as cultural consumers. Air Date : 8th-Dec-2005  Read More

Air Date : 2nd-Feb-2006  Read More

Air Date : 9th-Feb-2006  Read More

Air Date : 16th-Feb-2006  Read More

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Air Date : 9th-Mar-2006  Read More

Air Date : 16th-Mar-2009  Read More

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Air Date : 30th-Mar-2006  Read More

Air Date : 6th-Apr-2006  Read More

Air Date : 15th-Dec-2005  Read More

Air Date : 26th-Dec-2005  Read More