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! […]
What we do
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.
Special notice about Coronavirus
The health and safety of our customers and staff continue to be our priority. You no longer need to check in via the NHS Covid-19 App to visit our venues. Please continue to wear a mask to protect others and ensure all visitors can enjoy a safe and comfortable visit to our venues.
ARTSPACE RESIDENCIES
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.
COMMUNITY OF CREATIVES
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.
Latest News
Job Opportunities at The Island and Arts Mansion
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. […]
Covid-19 Update – April 22
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 […]
Artspace Lifespace, The Invisible Circus & Trinity Community Arts invest in the future of Stokes Croft
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 […]
New Beginnings at Ashton Court
Artspace Ashton Court welcomes an experimental new sculpture by artist Luke Jerram in the grounds of Ashton Court in Bristol. Situated beside the Courtyard Café of Ashton Court with stunning vistas over Bristol and the iconic Grade I listed mansion sits a giant wooden seed, a sculpture which will slowly be transformed by members of the […]