Artspace Lifespace transforms under-used and problem properties into thriving creative resources. Serving the bristol arts community since 2006, we became a registered charity in 2016.
We provide affordable space for artists from a range of disciplines to make and develop work at our Venues The Island, The Arts Mansion and The Vestibules. We specialise in revitalising forgotten spaces on a meanwhile basis to enable vibrant communities. We also act as consultants, providing recommendations for long term creative and community use of buildings. We provide support and consultancy for creatives looking to take on new buildings as well as architects, planners and developers who are committed to regeneration rooted in and informed by communities.
The health and safety of our customers and staff continues to be our priority. We encourage people to wear a mask in our buildings and ask that you stay at home if you feel unwell.
Artspace Lifespace offer residencies across our three projects, The Vestibules, Artsmansion and The Island.
We are proud to support artists to develop new work. In 2022 in addition to providing space in-kind support, to help diversify the range of people who benefit from our residencies, we are also offering up to 5 x small bursaries (between £150 to £350) to applicants from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the arts (for example if you have experienced racism, class barriers or have a disability). If you would like to be considered for a bursary please say so in your application.
This month’s Creative Spotlight is Island Studio Holder Jeanette Wilhelm. She is passionate about unique techniques, materials, organic forms and lines, textured and dimensional art.
We’re delighted to have finally installed spotlights to our Gallery ceiling and are extremely grateful to the generous donation from artist Luke Jerram who kindly funded the work. Luke came along to the recent ‘Fragile’ exhibition by Ben Anthony to view the paintings and see the spotlights in action. Following the restoration work on the […]
Ever wondered how Artspace Lifespace and The Island started in Bristol? Well now you get to delve further Invisible Circus: No Dress Rehearsal (Feature documentary by Naomi Smyth) was a massive four-year documentary undertaking. It was originally screened at The Brewery Theatre which is sadly now no more, but The Island is still going strong! […]
With great sadness, we announce that our wonderful centre manager Jane Hartoch is leaving the Island after 6 years of incarceration in the Old Bridewell Police Station. We are now seeking a new ISLAND CENTRE MANAGER. We are also looking for Duty Managers for The Arts Mansion. Flexible 3-10 hour shifts – £9.90 per hour. […]
As of 1st April, free universal testing in England comes to an end. Check-in to venues ended in February of this year. Visit England’s Good to Go Industry standard is to close, In England, face coverings are no longer required by law. Most of the remaining Covid restrictions in the UK have ended. So the […]
Invisible Circus Directors and Artspace Lifespace founders Wim Penhaul and Doug Francis and Trinity Community Arts CEO Emma Harvey urge other arts organisations to get behind the campaign. The Invisible Circus, Artspace Lifespace and Trinity Community Arts have committed to buying £1000 of shares in the Stokes Croft Land Trust to support the purchase of […]