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
- 📷 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
- Artspace Lifespace April Newsletter🤡 The Artspace Lifespace April newsletter 🤡This month we have Movement Improvisation and Heathers The Musical workshops, On Being photography exhibition, and a Wonderful Water Festival.https://mailchi.mp/14fc62444070/artspace-lifespace-april2025-newsletter-21064730 📷 Jacob Fowler performing in Heathers The Musical.
- Dignitaries Visit Arts MansionOn February 28th 2025, Artspace Lifespace CEO Kathryn Chiswell Jones, Arts Mansion Venue Manager Jenna Graves and Bristol Parks Area Manager carried out a tour of Ashton Court Mansion for Sadik Al-Hassan, Labour MP for North Somerset, Ross Simmonds, Historic England, Regional Director South West, Councillor Tony Dyer Leader of Bristol City Council, Nick Hibberd, Bristol City Council Chief Executive […]
- 🐇 Artspace Lifespace March Newsletter 🐇We’re taking part in Bristol Gallery Weekend, there’s a Riot Act and an Irish Takeover with live music and dancing at Arts Mansion in our March Newsletter.
- Connections Through CultureWe’re pleased to announce that Artspace Lifespace have been awarded a grant from the British Council Connections Through Culture (CTC) grant programme Auckland which supports eight New Zealand-UK collaborations. The CTC is a platform fostering vibrant collaborations between artists in the United Kingdom and Asia-Pacific. The programme supports 84 innovative projects, eight of which are […]