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 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 and provide support and consultancy for creatives looking to take on new buildings as well as architects, planners and developers who are committed to regeneration for communities.
Throughout October we’re throwing open the doors to The Vestibules, Arts Mansion and The Island.
Three weekends of creative activity in three buildings, all for free!
Arts Mansion Saturday 1st October – Building tours and party on the lawn.
The Vestibules Saturday 8th October – Exhibition and print workshops
The Island Friday 14th to Saturday the 16th October – Tenants’ exhibition, comedy night, club night and open studios.
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 Jacob Dear.
Jacob has been experiencing anxiety, depression, self doubt & stress. He says “Instead of letting the voice get too loud, I’ve decided to make a mini self portrait series, exploring the thoughts my mind has.”
September sees The Venue nightclub returning to The Island. Following a successful Spring season while we bedded in a new team, found our feet and had to throw away a lot of out of date drinks stock (😫) following a nearly two year Covid closure, we are now formally re-launching. Our Venue Managers Clara McDermott […]
JOIN OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES & ADVISORY BOARD Artspace Lifespace are recruiting new members for our board. You can find out more about the current board here. Trustee Recruitment The Trustee’s are responsible for the strategic direction of the charity, agreeing plans and budgets, and holding the Company Manager to account for the delivery of […]
In July the Vestibules was proud to host The Coe Gallery’s stunning exhibition featuring paintings by Aboriginal artists, focusing on land and the natural world. The Coe gallery is the UK’s first Aboriginal owned and artist led gallery, founded and curated by Jasmine Coe, a Wiradjuri-British artist and daughter of Paul Coe. Paul Coe is […]
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! […]