The Island
Arts facility and events space, based in Bristol City Centre
Venue > The Island
- Location info – Show map
- Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2BE
- For full access information please download our accessibility document.
- Opening times
- Monday to Friday: 10am – 10pm
- Weekends: 10am – 5pm
- Contacts
- Call: 0117 376 3457
- Email: info@theisland.uk
See individual venues for features and hire rates.
Watch The Island documentary 2015 (12:30)
Multi-use creative spaces
We are a studio complex, arts facility and events space, based in the Old Bridewell Police Station in Bristol city centre.
The Island Artspace is part of Artspace Lifespace the creative placemaking charity which recycles vacant and underutilised properties into thriving creative resources. We provide creative studio space for over 100 artists. In addition to artist & music studios, our vibrant combined arts complex is also home to the Island Circus Training Space, Dance Space, a spacious art gallery and our event space – The Island Venue.
Take a tour
We’ve created a virtual tour of public spaces at The Island. Pop into the Gallery, drop by the cells and walk through our dance and circus studios!
Created by Jen Ford using Matterport
Health & Safety Notice
For the well-being of all our guests and staff, we kindly ask that you please stay home if you’re feeling unwell or wear a mask if you visit while you have a cold or other illness. Your health and the health of others are our top priorities, and we appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
ArtSpaces at The Island
Dance Space
The Dance Space runs a wide variety of classes and training sessions as well as being available for private hire.
Circus Space
The Island Circus Training Space offers many classes in circus-related disciplines, including silks, rope, aerial hoop, trapeze and acro yoga.
Gallery Space
A beautiful large white and bright hireable gallery space with lantern ceiling and ancillary room located on the first floor of The Island.
The Island Venue
The licensed venue is available to host immersive performance, talks, exhibition and nightclub events.
Island Artist Studios
Work along side like minded creative people
The Sewing Room
A fully equipped sewing studio for beginner and professional sewers.
Latest news
- Sewing Room Memberships AvailableNeed more space for your sewing projects? In addition to various sewing and pattern cutting courses, The Sewing Room at The Island offers monthly memberships available for both professionals and budding amateurs. Whether you are looking for something a few hours a week to work on your hobby or wanting to work from the studio more […]
- Call out for Recent Graduate Curator: The Island Open Studios 2025Each year, The Island flings open its doors and invites the public to explore behind the imposing stone walls of Bristol’s former police headquarters turned art space. This September, we’re hosting our Open Studios event (Thursday 25th – Sunday 28th September 2025), featuring artist studios, exhibitions, building tours, and dance/circus taster classes and we’re looking for a recent UWE MA […]
- 🪻Artspace Lifespace June Highlights🪻Dreams, Secret Notes, A Cultural Festival, Bluebells and Mischief this June at Artspace Lifespace.
- Artspace Lifespace Named One of Five Community-Led High Street Innovators NationallyPower to Change has launched Community-Led High Street Innovators to invest in community-led action to revitalise high streets and town centres across England. The project supports community businesses to develop their work on the high street, using community-led approaches to regenerate their local places, and focuses on communities taking space on high streets and increasing their role in […]
- 📷 Photography galore in our May newsletter 📷May is jam-packed across our buildings with indigenous dance, a Misfits Pageant, a Bloody Queen and a 2nd Birthday party! See all at; https://mailchi.mp/1d89e012d626/artspace-lifespace-may2025-newsletter-21065047