The Space, a new free digital arts service, has launched today (1 May 2012) with the help of a virtual recreation of DJ John Peel’s home studio and highlights of his record library.

Developed by Arts Council England, in partnership with the BBC, The Space will showcase some of the most exciting arts and culture events from across the UK with something new added every day.

A virtual recreation of DJ John Peel's home studio and highlights from his record library is one highlight from the soft launch. The unique online collection will build month by month, starting with 100 albums beginning with the letter 'A'.

Also coming up in May:

• Full performances of David Shrigley's opera Pass The Spoon and Sadler's Well's Breakin' Convention hip-hop dance extravaganza streamed live this weekend.
• The BFI makes available its archive of the very first films from household names including Stephen Frears, Gurinder Chadha, Ken Russell and Ridley Scott.
• The Arts Council opens up its 50-year-old film collection, with the first public showings of its groundbreaking 1990s Dance for the Camera series, co-produced with the BBC.

Alan Davey, Chief Executive, Arts Council England said: “Today The Space opens a new door into the cultural universe - one that offers a glimpse of a future where people can explore the amazing things the arts can do, whenever they want and wherever they are, and where all sorts of experiences can be easily found in one place.

“To do this, artists and arts organisations need to further develop the skills to understand and experiment with the creative potential of the new digital platforms.

“We're grateful to the BBC for going on this uncharted voyage with us, sharing their technological and production expertise, and to both the BFI and the BBC for sharing gems from their wonderful archives.

“We hope The Space will soon build into the place for everyone who makes or loves the arts.”

Roly Keating, BBC Director of Archive Content, said: “We've been proud partners of Arts Council England for many years but never before have we worked together on anything of the sheer scale, ambition and energy of The Space.

“It's been a true journey of discovery for both organisations - a blend of the BBC's digital and production expertise with the creativity of artists and arts organisations of all kinds.

“We believe digital can open up new kinds of public space where cultural organisations can collaborate and share ideas more easily and inventively than ever before: The Space is about making that idea a reality.”

You can visit The Space now at thespace.org, or by viewing on connected TV or The Space channel (Freeview HD channel 117). Keep up to date with upcoming content at facebook.com/thespacearts and on Twitter @thespacearts and #thespacearts.

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