The Island

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The Island

The Island is a self-funded multi use arts facility and creation centre based in Bristol. FFI:
www.theislandbristol.com
www.artspace.uk

The Island is a self-funded multi use arts facility and creation centre based in the old police station in Bristol city centre. It hosts a wide variety of creative spaces from circus training, dance and rehearsal rooms, making spaces and artists studios to dark rooms, recording and music production studios, a gallery and a suite of early 20th century police cells. If you want to get involved in a

collaborative showcase event in Bristol then the Island is the place to do it. Like the name suggests, the Island is an isolated centre of creativity and energy located smack bang in the city centre. As a venue, it has so many unique event spaces and a can-do attitude making it ideal for a Bristol event. The Island is part of the Artspace Lifespace project, an artist led initiative that recycles vacant, under-used and problem properties into thriving active creative resources and has been active since 2008.

15/11/2024

Last Saturday afternoon at Alice Dunn Ribeiro's LIFE:LIVE exhibition, with a drag life drawing session for 20 people in the gallery space. Life model and performer paykubi was spectacular! ⁠
⁠d.r ⁠⁠
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( #📷 )

15/11/2024

Calling all movement/dance artists in Bristol for a monthly Creative LAB!⁠
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Are you looking for a space and community of movers and dance artists to try out creative or choreographic ideas on? ⁠
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Bristol Creative Movement Labs are hosting a monthly 2 hour Tuesday morning session, for dance artists in Bristol to gain experience in facilitating, trying out ideas, sharing work and giving feedback. ⁠
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Pricing of £5 towards room hire is aimed to make this as affordable as possible.⁠
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First session November 19th, 11.30am - 1.30pm : Ella Amalfitano and Annie Kelleher will be sharing their practice with us this month! ⁠
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Book via Headfirst, https://hdfst.uk/e118115.⁠
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( #📷 )

14/11/2024

RIOT ACT- Bristol's searingly new Open Mic Cabaret Club Night- returns to The Island cells.⁠
Monday 25th November, 7 - 10pm. ⁠
£10 general entry, £8 low income option.⁠
See Headfirst https://hdfst.uk/e117704 for full deets.⁠
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Spearheading this month's showcase shindig is a man who’s taking the British comedy scene by storm. Having overcome struggles with addiction and homelessness, in just two years Kev Mud has become a finalist in British Comedian Of The Year, winning all of his heats on the way.⁠
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Joining him is Queen of South East Spoken Word Naomi Wood, whose distinctive verse storytelling style is making serious waves across the country. Her solo spoken word show 'Gobbess' (currently touring the UK) has been described as 'Laugh-out-loud humour', 'hilarious, wholesome, powerful', 'delightful... pure magic', 'raw, and incisive'. ⁠
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Enfant terrible of South West Stand Up Paul Hilleard, whose gritty comic genius is seeing him swiftly ascend to the heights of comedy stardom. As seen in BBC 3’s New Comedy Awards, where he is currently vying for the crown of the UK’s best breakout comedy star in the competition’s final. ⁠
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Cosmic Cockney Rhymer Colin B Osbourne, whose tongue-twisting high philosophical musings on the everyday s**t of South London living have seen him celebrated across the Capital’s spoken word scene. ⁠
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Maverick Mischief Mastermind Gaz Lawrence, whose picaresque misadventures of seedy irreverence offer answers to life’s most pressing questions big and small. Buckle up; you’re in for quite the ride! ⁠
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And Chief Rioters MC Wax Lyrical and Rob MC raise their tins of cider once again to host an evening of outrageous high octane fun. ⁠
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Open Mic slots will open at 7pm sharp, and will be 4mins each.⁠
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Bristol; the stage is yours ⁠
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Entry requirements: no age restrictions (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult over 21yrs, 1:1 ratio)⁠
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14/11/2024

The Artspace Lifespace AGM is online tomorrow 15th November from 5 -6pm. Join us to hear how we're doing and our plans for the future.

The 6th Annual General Meeting of ArtspaceUK (Artspace Lifespace CIO).

13/11/2024

RIOT ACT- Bristol's searingly new Open Mic Cabaret Club Night- returns to The Island basement, Monday 25th November.⁠
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Spearheading this month's showcase shindig is a man who’s taking the British comedy scene by storm, real life stand-up comedy superhero Kev Mud.⁠
Joining him are: ⁠
🎤Queen of South East Spoken Word Naomi Wood, whose distinctive verse storytelling style is making serious waves across the country. ⁠
🎤Enfant terrible of South West Stand Up Paul Hilleard, whose gritty comic genius is seeing him swiftly ascend to the heights of comedy stardom.⁠
🎤Cosmic Cockney Rhymer Colin B Osbourne, whose tongue-twisting high philosophical musings on the everyday s**t of South London living have seen him celebrated across the Capital’s spoken word scene. ⁠
🎤 Maverick Mischief Mastermind Gaz Lawrence, whose picaresque misadventures of seedy irreverence offer answers to life’s most pressing questions big and small.⁠
⁠
🍺Chief Rioters MC Wax Lyrical and Rob MC raise their tins of cider once again to host an evening of outrageous high octane fun. ⁠

Open Mic slots will open at 7pm sharp, and will be 4 mins each.⁠
⁠
Tickets £10, £8 low income option. Full details see Headfirst, https://hdfst.uk/e117704 .⁠
⁠
Entry requirements: no age restrictions (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult over 21yrs, 1:1 ratio)⁠
⁠

RIOT ACT- Bristol's searingly new Open Mic Cabaret Club Night- returns to The Island after a smash hit Halloween Spectacular at The Mount Without with a bang this November. Spearheading this month's showcase shindig is a man who’s taking the British comedy scene by storm. Real life stand-up comedy...

12/11/2024

The Play and Paint workshop blends movement, play, and art.

In this immersive event, participants are guided through a combination of dance, meditation, and artistic expression to unlock creativity.

What’s Included?

- Movement meditations to connect body and mind
- Guided drawing and painting exercises
- Playful, stress-free environment to boost creativity
- Fusion of dance, meditation, and art
- Supportive space for uninhibited self-expression

23rd November, 2 - 6pm, In The Island Dance Studio, Bridewell Street, BS1 2QD.

Cost is £30 - £40.
Booking link, https://www.yuup.co/experiences/play-and-paint

11/11/2024

Last month pulled off a goryous halloween fashion show in our basement.⁠
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311024 Runway: The Devil Dressed Me ⁠
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📸 alfie.datson ⁠
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Stylist & organiser: moi clothemod ⁠
Exclusive Partner: theclothingxchange ⁠
Music: jamiesizlack ⁠
Backstage manager: freckly_goat ⁠
Backstage photographer: skjuleproject ⁠
Models: 1800_zzzz albinobarbie_ emma.bettss danielletsang_ vincente_100 daryljhembrough iam_ishola.the.model ⁠
Event assistants: _melwatt hey.mly ⁠
Food: busyvbakery ⁠
Venue: theislandbristol ⁠
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( #📷 )

07/11/2024

Curation commences.⁠
Alice Dunn Ribeiro has started hanging her work on our gallery walls ahead of her solo exhibition launch 8th November. ⁠
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Exhibition continues Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th.⁠
For full details see https://artspace.uk/events/exhibitions-and-events/

artspace.uk
⁠

06/11/2024

DRAG LIFE DRAWING THIS SATURDAY 9th NOVEMBER ⁠
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Join Alice Dunn Ribeiro for a guided life drawing session set in her solo exhibition LIFE : LIVE , celebrating musicians and performers in Bristol.⁠
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Modelling will be the incomparable Persian drag , Paykubi (pictured).⁠
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This is a drawing session for all skill levels, whether you are a total beginner or an absolute pro. ⁠
The aim is to let loose and have fun, while we immortalise our enchanting model.⁠
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ANYONE CAN DRAW!⁠
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Date/time:⁠
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Saturday 9th of November ⁠
Arrival: 1:30pm⁠
Start: 2pm⁠
Finish: 3:30pm⁠
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Basic materials provided, feel free to bring your own.⁠
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Limited spaces available ⁠
Pay what you can - min £4⁠
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Location:⁠
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The Island Gallery⁠
Bristol⁠
BS1 2QD⁠
Entrance on Bridewell street⁠
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Headfirst ticket link https://hdfst.uk/e118539 😘 ( #📷 )⁠
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05/11/2024

Bridewell Poppy.⁠
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Painted in our exercise yard for the Open Studios event. ⁠
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( #📷 )

05/11/2024

Dance, Move, Play and Paint, 32rd November, 2 - 6pm.

The Play and Paint workshop blends movement, play, and art. In this immersive event, participants are guided through a combination of dance, meditation, and artistic expression to unlock creativity.

What’s Included?

- Movement meditations to connect body and mind
- Guided drawing and painting exercises
- Playful, stress-free environment to boost creativity
- Fusion of dance, meditation, and art
- Supportive space for uninhibited self-expression

In our Dance Studio, Bridewell Street, BS1 2QD.

Experience a full-day Play and Paint workshop in Bristol, blending movement, meditation, and art for a creative, stress-free experience.

05/11/2024

Ballet class with Anna Demming this Friday is cancelled. Back on the 15th.

South West Dance Theatre

A fun yet rigorous class to all kinds of music - soul, reggae, rock, pop, funk, classical, Latin, Eastern - anything that gets the soul singing while mind and body train. Ideally suited to people who have some previous ballet training but we can simplify and add explanations to exercises to help peo...

04/11/2024

Rare opportunity to rent a large solo artist studio at The Island.

Total sqm (m²) 16.737
£351.50 PCM Rolling license agreement + Deposit £351.50
Available 1st of December.

Studio includes Mezzanine style storage on both sides, sink and easy access to toilets. Located at the Bridewell street entrance with additional storage alongside entrance to studio.

Studios are 24/7 access and artists have the opportunity to hire our gallery space for their own project at a reduced rate for the first 4 bookings.

You would join our vibrant artist community and will be invited to participate in our annual open studios.

If you are interested please email [email protected] with links to your practice.

02/11/2024

Alice Dunn's solo exhibition "Life:Live" exhibition launches in our Gallery next week.⁠
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Alice has been drawing musicians and life-drawing models across Bristol over a number of years using Inks and pencil to capture expression, movement and music. ⁠

November 8th - 10th.
Launch night Friday 6 - 9pm.
Open Saturday & Sunday 11 - 5pm.
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01/11/2024

Come see the "Life:Live" exhibition by the talented Alice Dunn in our Gallery Space next week.⁠
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Alice has been drawing musicians and life-drawing models across Bristol over a number of years using Inks and pencil to capture expression, movement and music. ⁠
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If you’re a Bristol musician or model you’ll likely be featured!

01/11/2024

💥 Artspace Lifespace November highlights 💥 ⁠
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A Festival Of Stories, 2025 Artist Residencies and Life Live this month across our buildings.
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https://mailchi.mp/6d1e79e737ee/artspace-lifespace-november2024-newsletter
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@ __slowdanger__ ⁠
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( #📷 )

31/10/2024

Who is Diana Bastet?⁠
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is a well known artist from Ukraine. She works with dark fusion, gothic fusion and metal bellydance styles. Her experience in metal belly dance started in 2010 with a combination of her two incompatible but favourite things - dance and heavy metal music.⁠
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Diana has a fierce expressive dance style with a distinguished powerful stage presence. ⁠
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She is joining us in Bristol for some dance workshops in our dance studio this Saturday and Sunday, 2nd and 3rd November. If you would like to book contact ⁠
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( #📷 )

30/10/2024

A dramatic and spooky runway show is coming to our cells.

Tickets at www.clothemod.com/runway 👻

( #📷 )

Address

Opening Hours

Monday	10:00 - 19:00
Tuesday	10:00 - 19:00
Wednesday	10:00 - 19:00
Thursday	10:00 - 19:00
Friday	10:00 - 19:00

Telephone

+441173763457

Website

https://artspace.uk/

Alerts

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Videos

@centrespacestudios and @theislandbristol open studios 11 - 13 October https://linktr.ee/centrespaceandtheisland #openstudiobristol ( #📷 @centrespacestudios )

sorry that you love me ❤️‍🔥 DC: bethanykyle_ 📍 theislandbristol Classes every Thursday in our Dance Studio, 5.30 - 6.30pm . . #KissesFromMyExes #TateMcRaeVibes #GhostedButThriving #ExesWho #DanceFever #BreakupEnergy #UnstoppableMoves #dancelife #routine #bristol #uk ( #📷 @kirtimaheshwari_ )

“Acroyoga; Invention of fun ways to be able to go upside down, back and forth, round and round”⁠ ⁠ Join us for class ⁠ Mondays Theislandbristol ⁠ 7-8pm All levels �8:15-9:30pm Improvers/Intermediates⁠ ⁠ Classes are either £12 each or £20 for both classes. Call/text Will to book you can pay cash/card on arrival 07923 453817⁠ ⁠ One piece outfit from colourflowactive at womadfestival ⁠ #acroyoga #acroyogaclasses #acrobalance #partnerfitness #partneryoga #liftpeopleup ⁠ #alwayslearning #neverstopplaying #funfitness #moveyourbody #move #connect #play #sunshine #getoutside #activewearfashion #independentfashion #colorsmakemehappy #supportsmallbusiness #supportteachers ⁠ ( #📷 @dukesandsavage )

Opening tonight!⁠ ⁠ Join artist Raquel Blazque in our gallery, 6 - 9 pm, for a free evening of art, poetry, snacks and drinks. At 7:30ish there will be a special voice weaving performance.⁠ ⁠ #figurativeart #artistlife #artexhibition #artforsale #oilpainting #artreveal #bristolgallery #artistresidency⁠ ⁠ ( #📷 @raquelblazquezart )

‘Burning Sisterhood’ a residency by @raquelblazquezart expresses the artists story navigating the depths of women’s connection. From competition and loneliness, to collaboration, creation and magic. ⁠ ⁠ Opening night Friday 5th of July, 6pm to 9pm. Join us for a night of art, poetry, snacks and drinks along with a live singing/voice weaving performance starting 7:30pm.⁠ ⁠ The exhibition will be open on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of July from 10am to 5pm.⁠ ⁠ #paintingreveal #behindtheart #figurativeart #oilpainting #artexhibition #soloshow #spiritualart #artformentalhealth ⁠ ( #📷 @raquelblazquezart )

@rawaestheticstudio will be showing hand made ceramics done @tryllashop and dry point prints done @spikeprintstudio in our gallery. ⁠ Passive Creatives is a brand new exhibition, spearheaded by Marcus Gallard along with other working skateboarders, showcasing their passion for being creative through a variety of artistic outlets. ⁠ ⁠ Launching Thursday 23rd May at 5pm, running until Sunday 26th May. ⁠ ⁠ Save the event on Headfirst. https://hdfst.uk/e107294 ⁠ #dbscommunity #exhibition #artexhibition #creativecommunity #bristolevents #skateboarding ⁠ ⁠ @dbs_institute ⁠ ⁠ (📸 @rawaestheticstudio )

Pirouette to Beat It and dance ballet to all kinds of great tracks by Christine and the Queens, Estelle with Kanye West and Kevin Lim. 'Ballet to Not Necessarily Ballet Music' Island Dance Studio Fridays 11-12:30. Full September class playlist at https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6lytW2UBX3ZNLHsL31fb66?si=8f087e6a5b744865 Full class details at http://www.southwestdancetheatre.co.uk/come_dance_with_swdt.html ( #📷 @southwestdancetheatre )

Getting my things together for Paint Waltz at 4pm at the Island this afternoon - a performance piece with painting and ballet as part of our 15th anniversary open studios. https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/island-the/sat-16-sep-paint-waltz-95503#e95503 ( #📷 @pumpkinyevna )

Thanks honey.parast for putting together this cute studio video of the members of Old Moth studio.⁠ Take a view in real life Saturday 16th September - at The Island Open Studios, 10-6pm.⁠ ⁠ Artists in Old Moth Studio are - ⁠ @honey.parast ⁠ @olliesilvester ⁠ @molly.fairhurst ⁠ @molley.may ⁠ @lucie_ebrey ⁠ @lucyjhaslam ⁠ @robbiecathro⁠ ⁠ #art #bristolart #bristolartists #openstudios #bristolarttrail #reel #artreel #illustration #illustrators #exhibit ⁠ ⁠ ( #📷 @honey.parast)

We loved having special guest Yandy teaching at World Fusion Bristol this week. He will be here every week throughout Feb so book your places... https://artspace.uk/event/world-fusion-dance/ . ( #📷 @movemadance ) . #bristoldanceclass #worlddance #bristoldance

Peace out for 2022! Thanks to our friends and supporters, all the artists and performers who make it all worthwhile. 💕from us all at Artspace Lifespace

Re-post from our Circus Training Space member Imogen aka @girl_on_a_rope * Finding my swoosh * When it's so frosty dragging myself into a training space is hardwork but theislandbristol was toasty with new heaters today &my spine was pretty happy about it * * * * * #swoosh #bendy #gremlin #notyoga ( #📷 @girl_on_a_rope )

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Our Story

The Island is a self-funded multi-use arts facility and creation centre based in the old police station in Bristol city centre. It hosts a wide variety of creative spaces from circus training, dance and rehearsal rooms, making spaces and artists studios to dark rooms, recording and music production studios, a gallery and a suite of early 20th century police cells. We can’t believe that in 2018 we turn 10 years old! If you want to get involved in a collaborative showcase event in Bristol then the Island is the place to do it. Like the name suggests, the Island is an isolated centre of creativity and energy located smack bang in the city centre. As a venue, it has many unique event spaces and a can-do attitude making it ideal for a Bristol event. The Island comes to life thanks to its vibrant programming of regular workshops, training classes, performances and events. Artists from all disciplines now occupy our spaces; people from all walks of life can host their own exhibitions, or start their own class or group, which creates a widely varied collection of artist-led projects. The Island is majorly involved with Bristol's art scene, having taken part in BS1 Open, Brisfest, Destination Bristol, Big Green Week, Mayfest and Bristol Biennial,. We are rapidly becoming one of the key locations of choice for local art promotion. As well as all this, The Island is now hosting around 79 working artists. These artists are the beating heart of The Island, continually producing and showcasing new and engaging artwork. This made The Island one of the liveliest and most thriving artist communities in Bristol. Our studios are of varying sizes and range from huge open spaces, to smaller solo studios, to our converted cell studios, which are exclusively used by artists who work with sound and music. The Island is part of the Artspace Lifespace project, an artist led initiative that recycles vacant, under-used and problem properties into thriving active creative resources and has been active since 2008. FFI: www.theislandbristol.com www.artspacelifespace.com

15/11/2024

15/11/2024

14/11/2024

14/11/2024

13/11/2024

12/11/2024

11/11/2024

07/11/2024

06/11/2024

05/11/2024

05/11/2024

05/11/2024

04/11/2024

02/11/2024

01/11/2024

01/11/2024

31/10/2024

30/10/2024

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