Coventry Libraries and Information Service is one of nine national library services in England taking part in an innovative collaboration to enhance digital engagement and accessibility in libraries.
Digital Spaces is an ambitious new programme developed in association with Arts Council England, BFI and The Space.
Launching in 2025, this forward-thinking initiative will deliver an array of digital experiences in Libraries. From awe-inspiring VR showcases and hands-on immersive filmmaking masterclasses, to opportunities for creating new digital content.
With the support of the BFI, awarding funds from the National Lottery, the national tour will visit libraries twice throughout the year, starting with Coventry Central Library between 25 January – 9 February 2025.
It will showcase a collection of VR titles designed to appeal to a wide range of library users, including:
- Wallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway: A narrative VR experience allowing fans to join a new immersive adventure with much-loved animation characters Wallace and Gromit.
- The Philharmonia's Lark Ascending: A spellbinding 360 performance by Philharmonia of Vaughan Williams's beloved piece, featuring Nicola Benedetti.
- Monoliths: An immersive XR experience by Pilot Theatre and One to One Development Trust, exploring England's northern landscape through the voices of three women.
Coventry Libraries and The Space will also collaborate with local communities and partners to develop and create an innovative new digital project.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said:
“Coventry Libraries were thrilled to deliver Digital Spaces previously, so it’s really exciting to be involved once again. This is a hugely significant initiative to develop the city’s digital culture to enable us all to explore the future of how people create, learn, invent
and innovate.
“We are delighted to expand this premise with the eight other library services, to establish the Libraries Digital Network and offer new audiences even more ways to engage with digital creative experiences.”
This programme builds on the success of Coventry Libraries' Digital Spaces Pilot programme which took place between 2020 and 2021. This brought communities, artists, and creative practitioners together to expand the library services' digital and cultural offerings. It provided opportunities for people of different backgrounds, interests, experiences, and ages to explore the creative possibilities of technology, art, and culture.
Fiona Morris, CEO and Creative Director of The Space, said:
“Libraries play a vital role in society so we’re delighted to embark upon this programme which will turbocharge the library offering and provide an abundance of digital creative opportunities for communities.
“We intend Digital Spaces to be a catalyst for culture, creativity and innovation within libraries, enriching the lives of local communities by inspiring people to explore the creative possibilities of technology, art and culture.”
Sarah-Jane Meredith, Senior Manager - National Lottery Audiences Projects, Corporate and Industry Affairs of The BFI said:
“We are delighted to support this project, which is a great example of how, driven by demand from the library services themselves, new, young and diverse audiences can engage in a programme of VR and immersive work in their local communities”.
Luke Burton, Director, Libraries at Arts Council England, said:
“Libraries are central to bringing culture and creativity to local communities and the Digital Spaces programme is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate what modern library services can offer. We are delighted to support The Space with their work in broadening access to digital creativity as they build on their successful pilot scheme in Coventry.”
This innovative initiative, in collaboration with Arts Council England, BFI, with National Lottery Funding, and The Space, is set to launch in 2025 and promises to revolutionise digital engagement and accessibility in our libraries.
Supported by the BFI with National Lottery funding.
Find further information about Digital Spaces at www.coventry.gov.uk/digitalspaces