主播大秀 Arts Director Jonty Claypole, responds to recent reports about The Space and explains how the 主播大秀 is involved in the digital platform that pushes the boundaries of creative expression.
There has been press coverage over the last twenty-four hours about , so I wanted to explain , why the 主播大秀 is involved and what the plans are for its future.
The Space was originally set up by the Arts Council England and the 主播大秀 to run alongside the Olympics in 2012. Its primary purpose is to use digital technology to increase access to the arts and culture - for those who simply want to enjoy events at home or who, because of disability or the distances involved, are physically unable to attend. This vision was supported by the Government and was cited by DCMS ministers as a way of ensuring greater engagement with the work of publicly-funded arts organisations and artists.
The Space is also committed to taking advantage of the creative opportunities that digital technologies offer. It does this by working with theatres, galleries, museums, individual artists and digital agencies on creating new art. Finally, it provides development and training to support arts organisations and artists across the UK. Space projects can be found on The Space website as well as a range of other platforms - from YouTube to Tumblr to 主播大秀 Arts Online.
Why does the 主播大秀 have a role in The Space? Primarily because it's in our remit. Our says one of the purposes of the 主播大秀 is to deliver the benefits of emerging communications technologies to the public. As part of this commitment we want to make the arts more accessible and use our knowledge of digital production to help our partners make the most of online opportunities. So as well as providing funding (£8.16 million over four and a half years) we want to use our experience of innovating and engaging the public to help The Space do the same.
The Space has commissioned new projects from many of our best cultural organisations - National Theatre of Wales, Barbican Centre, Southbank Centre, Artichoke, Unlimited, Brighton Photo Biennial, Manchester International Festival, to name a few - as well as emerging artists of different backgrounds at a crucial stage in their careers. The Space should engage a broad audience, but it is also expected to take some risks and learn from what works and what doesn't.
While you can get , with extra context and information about how to submit projects, they are most commonly encountered in other places. For instance, Inside Soundtrack 7, a piece commissioned by The Space and Manchester International Festival from FKA Twigs, went viral over the summer through Tumblr. A special artist-in-residence collaboration with Radio 2 will also bring the work of innovative Dundee-based choreographer Thomas Small to an audience of many millions. And recognition is coming in other ways too. Only last week, Karen, a project commissioned from artist group Blast Theory and National Theatre of Wales, received a BIMA (British Interactive Media Association) Best of British Digital Award.
Recent media reports have commented on Alan Yentob's involvement. Alan Yentob was not the founder and has never been Chair of The Space. He served on the independent board as one of the 主播大秀's two nominated Directors for two years and stepped down in March this year.
What does the future hold for The Space? The team are moving to Birmingham this autumn to take its place in a city which has emerged at the forefront of digital innovation - it's an important part of our commitment to Birmingham, which has one of the youngest and most diverse populations in Europe. This move is being led by incoming Chair, Fiona Allan, Chief Executive of the Birmingham Hippodrome and outgoing CEO of Leicester's Curve Theatre.
And next week, The Space is announcing a range of new commissions, working with partners like Northern Ballet, the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Poetry Day, as well as launching an Open Call for projects for the new year.
Jonty Claypole is Director, 主播大秀 Arts
- more digital art on The Space website.