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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

The Essay Podcast

The Essay

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Essays from leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond.

Leading writers on arts, history, philosophy, science, religion and beyond, themed across a week - insight, opinion and intellectual surprise.

The Essay: True Venetian: Making up the City

True Venetian

Making up the City

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Polly Coles on Venetian artists who have engaged with their home in a modern spirit.

Writer Polly Coles considers Venetian artists who have engaged with their ancient home in a modern spirit, asking if it is possible to make something new in this museum city.

Writer Polly Coles reads Making Up the City, the first of her essays in search of what makes a true Venetian. Beginning each essay with an object or a place, she traces a cultural and historical thread through to living individuals who are contributing to a rich and diverse contemporary Venetian culture. She argues the true Venetian does not have to be born in the city or a permanent resident to be part of a viable, creative future for this beleaguered community. 

Beginning with Mariano Fortuny, painter, innovator and textile artist, Polly looks at Venetian artists who have engaged with their ancient home in a modern spirit and asks is it possible to make something new in this museum city? 

Written and performed by Polly Coles
Producer: Melanie Harris Sparklab Productions.

The Essay: True Venetian

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

Writer Polly Coles explores what makes a true Venetian.

Writer Polly Coles explores what makes a true Venetian, using an object or place to trace a cultural and historical thread through to living individuals.

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