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.
Artspace Lifespace is a Registered Charity (No: 1168150) that recycles vacant, under-used and problem properties into thriving creative resources. We work in partnership with artists, building owners, property developers, local communities and organisations to secure and re-cycle interesting, unusual and often difficult buildings as vibrant multi-use art venues. We also act as an advisory body for artists and groups interested in taking on empty properties and turning them into creative hubs.
We see the creative potential in disused sites others see as a liability, transforming them into creative workshops, studio spaces, galleries, cafés, performance and training facilities. We believe everyone is creative and that people need places to explore their creativity and connect with others. Working with communities and engagement is at the heart of what we do. We’ve employed professional artists to work with young people to co-create ideas, hosted workshops, events and online consultations to understand what people need and want, experiment with and assess the viability of various uses and make recommendations on the long-use of buildings based on our experience.
Our vision is for each venue we manage to be self-sustainable as possible without whilst remaining affordable, creative and inclusive. We work on both a meanwhile basis and longer-term projects that support our mission and vision.