WHAT WE DO

Artspace Lifespace is an arts charity managing unique venues to provide affordable spaces for artists to make, develop and showcase their work. We offer a mix of artists’ studios and space for exhibitions, filming, events, rehearsal and independent retail across our Bristol venues The Island, The Vestibules, Broadmead XP (The Galleries), Sparks Bristol and the Arts Mansion in North Somerset

Serving the Bristol arts community since 2006, we became a registered charity in 2016, specialising in revitalising forgotten spaces on a meanwhile basis. In addition to providing affordable room for artists, we provide consultancy to professionals such as architects, planners and developers who are committed to regeneration focused on community need. Any profits from earned income are reinvested back into sustaining the organisation and supporting our creative community.

We advocate strongly for the arts in the South West. Through our Residency Programme, the facilitation of network meetings and lobbying, we support individual artists and organisations across all sectors and art forms.

SPACES TO RENT

We have a wide range of rooms to hire over our four buildings.

You might be looking for a large community meeting space in Sparks Bristol , grand rooms at the Arts Mansion or police cells at The Island. Take a look and help us to continue our charitable purpose of providing support and space to the creative community.

Whether it’s film locations, training spaces or messy art studios, we have the right room for you.

A woman pins embroidery work to a wall display

ARTSPACE RESIDENCIES

Artspace Lifespace offer residencies across our three projects, The Vestibules, Arts Mansion and The Island.

We are proud to support artists to develop new work. Applications for the 2024 residency programme are now open.

“My artspace lifespace residency at Sparks allowed me to carry out my workshops for my research in a relaxing and positive environment that echoes my values. Being able to use the space free of charge relieved a lot of financial pressure too.” – Ellen Edwards

See details of previous residencies

A Mr Blobby cycle courier pedals through the sky

COMMUNITY OF CREATIVES

This month’s Creative Spotlight is on Island studio holder Honey Parast.

Honey is a Bristol based illustrator and maker specialising in felted characters. She has a particular love for children’s characters especially the wayward Mr Blobby.

LATEST NEWS

Slowdanger

two people take a selfie with their heads against a mirror

In August performance artists Slowdanger held a 3 day residency in our Dance Studio, in return we asked them to write a blog piece about the experience. If you’re interested in having space to develop your creative work see our residency page. While in Bristol for a peer review of our performance methods chapter for […]

🌿 Artspace Lifespace September highlights 🌿

Two people stand on a stage in front of a clothes rail, one is taking a selfie

New Theatre show Girlhood on T (pictured), Artist Support Sessions and an Urban Nature Day this September at Artspace Lifespace. https://mailchi.mp/adda0650b91c/artspace-lifespace-september2024-newsletter-20234682

Quitting Twitter

An easel with a painting of a clenched fist and the word 'solidarity'

Art is an intangible and often polarising word, but one thing is certain; art can make powerful statements. Images can sum up what is hard to say and transcend languages. There is power in images and the messages you convey, they should be used respectfully. This month, as a reaction to racist fueled riots in […]