Island 15th Birthday Open Studios

The Island

15 years ago we had no idea we’d still be occupying the brilliant building that is The Island. We’re celebrating at our 2023 Open Studios with tours, exhibitions, open studios, taster classes and a few added treats thrown in!

A circus ringleader throws his arms in the air as sparks release from his hands

Thursday 14th Island Gallery, 6 – 8.30pm. Island Tenant’s Exhibition Launch, enjoy and drink and a nibble as you admire artwork by our talented studio holders. Please note that this is a Ticketed Event with a limited number of tickets available to the public. Entry to the exhibition is via Bridewell Street (opposite Rough Trade).

Copies of ‘Holding Out For A Hero’ limited edition riso print by artist Jennie Cave will be on sale at the launch event, throughout the weekend and online. Prints cost £15.

Festivities outside The Island celebrating it's 15th Birthday — ‘Holding Out For A Hero’ Limited edition Riso Print by Jennie Cave

Friday 15th The Island Gallery, 12 – 6pm. The Island Tenant’s exhibition will be open to the public. Entrance to the 1st floor Gallery via Bridewell Street (opposite Rough Trade). Due to stairs, the exhibition is not accessible to wheelchairs or buggies.

Tom Marshman hosting our Island 15th Birthday Tea Party.

Saturday 16th OPEN STUDIOS Whole Building, 11 – 6pm. Entry and all classes are Free but please pre-book a taster class as places are limited.

Doors Open 11am. Please enter via the Nelson Street Entrance (opposite SWX). Exit only via Bridewell Street.
Building tours, 12 pm, 1 pm & 2 pm. Learn about the colourful and sometimes gory history of this 1930’s former Police Headquarters building. Book to secure a place.
Artist Tenants exhibition, The Island Gallery, 12 – 6pm
‘The Island is 15’ a retrospective exhibition in The Basement Venue
Exhibition of Tom Marshman’s Island Birthday Tea Party event in the cells. we invited some Island alumni to discuss the highs and lows of the last 15 years and to thank them for their incredible contributions. Listen to The Island A – Z audio inspired by and featuring the tea party. Do you have a story of The Island you’d like to share?

Open Studios, 12 – 6pm. Our talented studio holders open their door to show you their creative spaces.
Paint, Waltz. Dance Studio, 4 – 5pm. South West Dance Theatre ballet dancer Anna and Island resident paint artist Robert blend dance and painting in a marvelous, messy multidisciplinary performance piece that invites audiences to share in the voids, discipline, inspiration and euphoric creative highs. Book to secure a place.

Free Dance and Circus Taster Classes, booking recommended via Headfirst.

For our full programme of events and to book one of the activities below visit Headfirst