The Island
A community arts venue and event 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
Based in the Old Bridewell Police Station in Bristol city centre, The Island hosts over 100 resident artists, and boasts a Circus Training Space, music studios, Dance Studios and a beautiful art gallery.
The Island is part of Artspace Lifespace a creative placemaking charity who recycle vacant properties into thriving creative resources. We provide creative studio and event space for over 100 musicians and artists. Our vibrant combined arts complex is home to the Island Circus Training Space, Dance Space, a spacious art gallery and our music 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.
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
- Artspace Lifespace AGM 15th Oct 2026Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of ArtspaceUK (Artspace Lifespace CIO) will be held on Thursday, 15th October 2026, at 6pm. Date: Thursday, 15th October 2025 Time: 18.00-18.45 Location: The Island Gallery (First Floor, The Island, Bridewell Street, Bristol. BS1 2QD) AGENDA Welcome and Apologies Minutes of the Previous Annual General Meeting held […]
- 🚌 Artspace Lifespace September Newsletter 🚌New circus classes, exhibitions and an open mic night this month at Artspace Lifespace projects @theislandbristol and @sparksbristol all in our September Newsletter.
- 🌻Artspace Lifespace August Newsletter🌻Wrestling, Playtime and Spaces to Hire in our August newsletter.
- 🏳️🌈 Artspace Lifespace July Newsletter 🏳️🌈Rainbow Magic, Removing Guilt, Vacant Properties and our Repair Cafe all in the July Newsletter.
- Vacant Property ToolkitA free how-to guide for creatives and communities looking to take on empty properties. It feels timely that the launch of our Vacant Property Toolkit coincides with the announcement of a new £61 million Community Right to Buy Fund. The initiative is intended to empower local residents in England to take ownership of assets such […]