The John Peel Centre and Shakespeare’s Globe are set to be part of The Space Digital Art Project ahead of London 2012 Games.

Since the 1970s, several names, including ‘computer art’ and ‘multimedia art’ have been given to using digital technology to create artistic works. With the rise of digital technology in recent years, many artistic practises such as sculpture, painting and drawing, have been transformed by the impact of digital technology, and the term ‘digital art’ is now a fully-established and widely acknowledged new form of art.

A project is known as ‘The Space’, is being run by both the Arts Council England and the BBC, and is a multi-platform initiative aimed at showcasing some of the UK’s best digital artwork to “build the digital skills and capability of the sector in the run-up to the Olympics.”

The million pound project is costing the Art Council £3.5 million. Talking to the BBC about how the new digital project will help rouse interest and inspiration in the digital art genre, Alan Davey, chief executive of Arts Council England said:

“The Space will stimulate a dramatic step change in skills development, creative learning and collaboration.

“It will inspire a great generosity of spirit among the participating organisations, with each of them committed to documenting and sharing the journey they are taking together.”

As part of the London 2012 new digital project, it has been confirmed that both the John Peel Centre and Shakespeare’s Globe will be involved in the project.

The John Peel Centre for Creative Arts will be reconstructing  the late radio presenter’s home studio, as part of The Space project, which will include his own personal notes and record collection, and produce an interactive online museum.

The Shakespeare’s Globe, which is situated on the bank of the River Thames in Bankside’s cultural quarter, will be showcasing 37 of Shakespeare’s plays as part of The Space project, performed by 37 different international theatre companies.