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 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.

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.

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 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 AGM
    Artspace 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 Impact
    Bristol 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 Lifespace
    The 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, […]
  • 💥 Artspace Lifespace November highlights 💥
    A Festival Of Stories, 2025 Artist Residency Opportunities and Life Live this month across our buildings. https://mailchi.mp/6d1e79e737ee/artspace-lifespace-november2024-newsletter