Image: The Space uncovers John Peel's record library

Arts Council England (ACE) and the BBC have announced the soft launch of a new digital arts service - The Space - to showcase work and events across a range of online and media platforms.

The first month of the service - now freely-available on mobile, tablet, PC, connected TV and its own dedicated Freeview channel (No.117) - will feature full performances and rare archives among others.

A new commissioning model has been placed at the heart of the The Space, with artists and cultural organisations encouraged to produce and distribute work specifically for digital audiences.

Live-streaming events - such as Sadler's Wells Breakin' Convention - and innovative new formats will feature as part of the service, with the BBC providing mentoring and training.

Highlights from the first month of The Space also include full performances from the Globe Theatre's 'Globe to Globe' season and highlights from the record library of late broadcaster John Peel.

ACE chief executive Alan Davey said: "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."

BBC director of archive content Roly Keating added: "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."

Details: www.artscouncil.org.uk

Image: Andy Abbot, East Anglian Daily Times