Digital Spaces is an ambitious new programme in association with Arts Council England, BFI, awarding National Lottery funding and The Space.
Launching in 2025, this forward-thinking initiative will deliver an array of digital experiences in Leeds - from awe-inspiring VR showcases and hands-on immersive filmmaking masterclasses to opportunities for creating new digital content.
We are also pleased to announce our participation in the new Libraries Digital Network, a ground-breaking collaboration with eight other library services, including: Bradford, Cambridgeshire, Coventry, Manchester, Newham, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, and Sunderland. This innovative network is the first of its kind, uniquely combining local relevance with national impact. It aims to empower our local community and is supported by comprehensive training for our colleagues, who will guide our networks on exciting digital journeys.
Programme Highlights
The 18-month multi-strand programme will feature:
National Curated VR Tour 2025 - Watch VR experiences in a local library
With the support of the BFI, awarding funds from the National Lottery, the national tour will visit our libraries twice throughout the year, with the first tour taking place 14th February to 2nd March.
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.
With more titles still to be announced.
A New Digital R&D Commission for Leeds Libraries - Funding and support to create new content
Leeds Libraries and The Space will collaborate with local communities and partners to develop and create an innovative new digital project.
Immersive Filmmaking Community Masterclasses
180-degree immersive film production workshops delivered by Immersive filmmakers Neon 8.
Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Leeds Libraries to be one of the first library services in England to bring the Digital Spaces initiative to its residents. We’re thrilled to be working in association with Arts Council England, BFI, and The Space to deliver a collaboration that will take such an innovative approach to enhancing digital engagement and accessibility.
Leeds Libraries provides a hugely valuable service to people of all ages, offering digital support and learning citywide. The VR titles to be showcased as part of Digital Spaces will have a wide-ranging appeal that will inspire residents, as part of a programme that demonstrates Leeds’s commitment to digital inclusion and innovation.”
For further information about Digital Spaces follow us on social media @leedslibraries, or sign up to our newsletter.