About ASLS
Artspace Lifespace (also known as ASLS or ArtspaceUK) is a Registered Charity (No: 1168150) that recycles vacant, under-used and problem properties into thriving creative resources. We work in partnership with artists, building owners, property developers, local communities and organisations to secure and re-cycle interesting, unusual and often difficult buildings as vibrant multi-use art venues.
We see the creative potential in disused sites others see as a liability, transforming them into creative workshops, studio spaces, galleries, cafés, performance and training facilities. We believe everyone is creative and that people need places to explore their creativity and connect with others. Working with communities and engagement is at the heart of what we do. We’ve employed professional artists to work with young people to co-create ideas, hosted workshops, events and online consultations to understand what people need and want, experiment with and assess the viability of various uses and make recommendations on the long-use of buildings based on our experience. We also have advised and supported artists, other groups and organisations interested in taking on empty properties and turning them into creative hubs
Our vision is for each venue we manage to be self-sustainable as possible without whilst remaining affordable, creative and inclusive. We work on both a meanwhile basis and longer-term projects that support our mission and vision.
Our Offer
Provision of affordable space for artists from a range of disciplines to make and develop work is at the heart of what we do .
Consultancy for Creatives looking to take on new buildings.
We were given expert advice and guidance on an extremely complex lease that we have been negotiating for some time. Being able to receive feedback from someone who understood the specific context of the Bristol Arts Sector as well as the legal implications of the documents that we have been working on was incredibly helpful and we are extremely thankful for the support.
IMPERMANENCE
Consultancy and Creative Solutions for architects, planners, local authorities and others who want to engage with communities to help inform new developments with community needs at its heart.
Meanwhile space operators revitalising forgotten spaces to ensure vibrant communities, revitalising properties whilst providing security, utility and business rates savings on empty properties for landlords with all profits from the service being reinvested back into the local artist economy.
“The Island has been an amazingly supportive place to nourish my creative practise. As an emerging artist from a very niche and Japanese textile art form, the affordable rents provided me with the space I needed to grow. My work is now gaining international recognition – it was thanks to Kathryn who in 2020 pointed out a competition to me, which I entered and my work was subsequently hung in a Japanese museum of Art and Design. That was a launchpad for all that has followed. This year I travelled to Japan on grant funding where I met the last remaining master of my art form, my work was on display in Japan – alongside his work and that of 16 other international artists.” – Rhyannan Hall, Studio Holder at The Island
Our Mission
Providing Access, Space, Logistics and Support for a vibrant creative community in Bristol and beyond. Our organisation purposes are to promote art for the benefit of the public by the establishment and maintenance of facilities for artists from a variety of artistic practices to create works, to collaborate, and to present and perform those works for the public.
Artspace Lifespace is part of the Bristol DIY Arts Network. Our Inclusion & Development project in partnership with our sister company The Invisible Circus is funded by Bristol City Council’s Imagination Fund.
Explore the history of Artspace Lifespace and our Projects in Bristol and Beyond.