CNN reveals Ones to Watch | Friday, 10 October at 4:30pm WAT

CNN Ones to Watch – a major new feature show debuting globally on CNN – will delve into a range of colourful and diverse artistic and cultural fields to showcase the talent of the future.

Each month, CNN Ones to Watch will focus on a particular discipline – from modern dance to classical music, filmmaking to architecture and sculpture – as a recognised master of their craft identifies “ones to watch” and explains why their careers are on an upward trajectory. Through this narrative, the master in each show will also guide viewers into their art form, how it’s evolving and what new talent needs to accomplish success.

Launching on October 10, the first monthly 30-minute show will turn to the world of portraiture. In episode one, leading portrait artist Jonathan Yeo, known for his paintings of world figures from Malala Yousafzai to Kevin Spacey, will be the “master” guiding CNN viewers through the genre and naming Richard Twose and Jelena Bulajic as the two breakthrough portrait artists ready to make a major impact on the world stage. To showcase the art of portraiture, Yeo has been commissioned by CNN to paint a new portrait of Tamara Rojo, English National Ballet Artistic Director and Lead Principal Dancer. CNN cameras will have exclusive access to Yeo’s studio to give viewers an up-close experience of him painting the iconic Spanish ballet dancer.

CNN Ones to Watch will air across all CNN platforms – with the programme running on CNN International global feeds and on CNN en Espanol. In addition, vignettes from the programme will air on CNN US.

The series will have numerous bespoke digital elements to complement the on-air programming. Alongside video content from CNN Ones to Watch, a dedicated microsite will include interactive and social features such as behind-the-scenes Instagrams and Vines from our contributors.

“CNN Ones to Watch is one of the most extensive and exciting feature shows to appear on CNN International,” said Mike McCarthy, Senior Vice President and General Manager, CNN International. “Its broad remit will take viewers on a global journey to explore a diverse mix of arts and culture through the eyes of a true master in their field and give the inside track on who could be tomorrow’s Carlos Acosta, Spike Lee or Rem Koolhaas. The first episode will really set the standard with first class contributors and elements that will give viewers a real insight into the world of portraiture.”

CNN Ones to Watch will air on CNN International on Friday, 10 October at 4:30pm WAT.