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
Latest news
- High Streets: Life beyond retail?Artspace Lifespace recently contributed to a report from the House Of Lords examining how our city centres can be revitalised. The key findings from the report are: The dominance of retail on high streets is something of the past. Whilst shopping will still be a key feature, there is greater demand and opportunity for restaurants […]
- 🎄Artspace Lifespace December 2024 Newsletter 🎄A sweet nutcracker dance, Global Gifts and Father Christmas this December across our buildings in our monthly newsletter.
- Meeting Minutes Artspace Lifespace AGMArtspace Lifespace held its 6th Annual General Meeting online via zoom. Presentation & Minutes Impact Report and Audited Statement of Accounts Access the Charity’s Impact Report, and Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements
- Bristol’s Cultural ImpactBristol City Council Arts and Events Team are seeking as many creatives and organisations as possible to complete their new Cultural Infrastructure Survey. They are keen to hear from artists and creatives requiring/renting space for their practice, as well as organisations and businesses who offer and enable space for others. Responses will be used as […]
- Trinity Centre talk to Artspace LifespaceThe below article is by Trinity Arts Centre who are taking on the Jacobs Wells Baths building in Bristol, a former Artspace Lifespace project. At Trinity, we are committed to protecting public buildings and spaces and keeping them in the service of the local community. As part of our mission to restore and reopen Jacobs Wells, […]