The Island

Arts facility and events space, based in Bristol City Centre

  • A group of people learning some bollywood dance moves in a studio
  • Two women hang upside down in aerial hoops
  • A man points to some artwork on the wall of his studio

Venue > The Island

Location info –
Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2BE
For full access information please download our accessibility document.

The Island

Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2BE

Get directions
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 is part of Artspace Lifespace. The charity recycles vacant, underused and problem properties into thriving creative resources. We host over 100 resident artists and boast a Circus Training Space, Dance Studio, artist studios, music studios, and a spacious art gallery.

Covid notice

We encourage people to wear masks in our buildings and ask that people do not visit if they feel unwell.

Get in touch with info@theisland.uk for our full COVID safety measures.

Venues 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.

Two women hang upside down in aerial hoops

Circus Space

The Island Circus Training Space offers many classes in circus-related disciplines, including silks, rope, aerial hoop, trapeze and acro yoga.

A group of people attending an exhibition opening in an art gallery

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.

A man points to some artwork on the wall of his studio

Island Artist Studios

Work along side like minded creative people

Latest news

  • 🌈 Artspace Lifespace July Highlights 🌈
    Street Litter protest, Burning Sisterhood and the ABC’s of a new economy this July in our newsletter. https://mailchi.mp/ca73839c41bb/artspace-lifespace-july2024-newsletter
  • Meanwhile Use, Gentrification and Activating Space for Communities
    May was a whirlwind of a month for Artspace Lifespace advocating for cultural spaces in our cities. Here are some reflections from our Company Manager, Kathryn Chiswell Jones. On May 11th-12th, we celebrated our first year since Sparks Bristol opened to the public. Thanks to Arts Council England for extending our funding, enabling us to […]
  • 🎺 Artspace Lifespace June highlights 🎺
    Global Routes, (Mis)fortunes and a festival of International Culture at Artspace Lifespace this June. – https://mailchi.mp/49137420cd5c/artspace-lifespace-june-newsletter
  • 🎂 What’s On At Artspace Lifespace May 2024 🎂
    Sparks Bristol turns one, Diaspora! Festival and Monstrous Tales in our May newsletter.
  • Artspace Lifespace Cultural Venue Exchange
    Exploring the Historic Transformation: Behind the Scenes at Bristol Beacon. In March we held our team leaders meeting at Bristol Beacon. We met at the Sound Lounge where we were warmly welcomed by Sarah Robertson, Communications and Special Projects Director, who brought us on a captivating journey behind the scenes of Bristol Beacon. First built […]