Lexus in tie up with Sky TV channel

Lexus has signed up for 18 months as the exclusive channel sponsor of Sky Arts, the UK’s only dedicated TV channel for the arts.

The partnership with Sky Media features 15 and five-second edited versions of a Lexus documentary on the Japanese concept of takumi, which will run as the sponsorship ident for Sky Arts across linear and viewing on demand until September 30, 2022.

Lexus takumi master craftspeople oversee the making of every car and dedicate years to mastering their skills and refining their work to achieve perfection. The Lexus brand’s association with design and craftsmanship extends beyond its luxury cars and includes initiatives such as the Lexus Design Awards, which supports up-and-coming design talent who create products designed for a better tomorrow.

In addition to the takumi idents, the partnership will include further experiential activity from Lexus throughout 2021 and 2022, which will be dedicated to the arts community and promoted across the Lexus and Sky Arts social channels.

Lexus has also committed to working with Sky Arts on ad-funded programming to be broadcast during the eighteen-month partnership.

"The partnership will support a creative community that has experienced a challenging time throughout the pandemic and will reinforce Lexus’s connection to craft while celebrating the brand’s Japanese heritage and raising awareness of its design-led ethos," said a Lexus spokesperson.

Kevin Ledgar, general manager, marketing and strategy for Lexus UK, said: “We have many common values with Sky Arts and are pleased to be supporting the arts community at such a critical time through this partnership.

"Design and craftsmanship are at the heart of the Lexus brand, so this is a great opportunity for us to bring to life our vision of creativity and our passion for the creative community, making the arts more accessible for all.”

Sarah Jones, director of planning at Sky Media, said: “Lexus is a proud supporter of the creative community, making this the perfect fit for the first long-term partnership since Sky Arts became free for everyone.

"At Sky Media, we know that aligning brands with their audience’s passion points drives stronger affinity. So we’re excited about the opportunity to activate this partnership with Lexus both on and off-screen – driving a deeper connection between the visionary automotive brand and an audience keen to engage with a range of creative disciplines spanning design, craft, music, theatre, dance, comedy and visual arts.”