Arnolfini

Arnolfini Free thinking since 1961. Art, performance, literature, music, learning and film. Free entry.

Arnolfini is a centre for contemporary arts located on Bristol’s harbourside in the heart of the city. Woven into the fabric of Bristol since 1961, Arnolfini is a pioneer of interdisciplinary contemporary arts, presenting an ambitious, eclectic programme of visual arts, performance, dance, film, music, workshops and family events, carefully curated to appeal to a broad audience and underpinned by

a commitment to a dynamic civic role in the city. An internationally-renowned institution, throughout its history Arnolfini’s programme has welcomed artists from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds, supporting and developing their work, investigating their influences and aspirations. Arnolfini has long-standing relationships with a variety of partners and celebrates the heritage and wide-reaching impact of the organisation through sharing a 60 year archive of exhibition slides, publications and artist book collection and continues to build on the multicultural, diverse and inclusive ethos that has prevailed since its inception. Arnolfini remains at the heart of the Bristol community, always mindful of founding director Jeremy Rees’ principle to ‘Enjoy Yourself’, inviting everyone to join in. Find out more at www.arnolfini.org.uk
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As part of Bristol Refugee Festival join us at Arnolfini for events celebrating storytelling, creativity and community.🎭...
11/06/2026

As part of Bristol Refugee Festival join us at Arnolfini for events celebrating storytelling, creativity and community.

🎭 Performance: The Paper Cinema: Journeys
📅 Thursday 18 June, 7 – 8pm (tickets via Headfirst)
🔗 https://buff.ly/q9XXEoq
Created with people seeking refuge in the UK, this extraordinary live performance combines hand-drawn animation, music and storytelling to share three real journeys to safety. After the performance, stay for a conversation with the creators and contributors behind the piece. Hosted by and Bridges for Communities

🧵 Women’s Craft Club Special
📅 Friday 19 June, 11am - 1pm (free, no need to book)
🔗 https://buff.ly/Stdo5Zb
Led by Ukrainian textile artist Svitlana Trygub, this creative free drop-in session explores traditional felt sewing and embroidery inspired by Ukrainian floral motifs, celebrating culture, connection and creativity.

These events are an opportunity to listen, learn, create and connect through shared experiences and stories.

📗 Jonathan Baldock's first-ever monograph is rolling off the presses ahead of the opening of Held at Arnolfini on 27 Jun...
11/06/2026

📗 Jonathan Baldock's first-ever monograph is rolling off the presses ahead of the opening of Held at Arnolfini on 27 June (preview 26 June, 5–8pm).

Published to accompany the exhibition, the book brings together Baldock's new commission alongside a broader survey of his practice, with newly commissioned texts exploring themes of world-building, materiality, nature and nurture, and the body.

Designed by Ratiotype and printed by Bristol's own .

Contributors include Gemma Brace, Head of Exhibitions at Arnolfini, writer and curator Glenn Adamson, curator at Yorkshire Sculpture Park Sarah Coulson and artist and Professor Dominic Johnson.

⭐Pre-order your copy ahead of launch via the link in bio.⭐

Join us on the 4th July for A Dance A Day — a moving exploration of the relationship between dance, movement and wellbei...
08/06/2026

Join us on the 4th July for A Dance A Day — a moving exploration of the relationship between dance, movement and wellbeing.

Through movement, text and poetry, three dancers share personal journeys of how dance has shaped their lives — as motivation, connection, care and joy.

Whether discovered in childhood or later in life, movement becomes a companion that supports physical, emotional and social wellbeing, while creating community and human connection along the way.

⏰ Performances: 2:00–2:30pm & 6:00–6:30pm
🎟️ Book here: https://buff.ly/Wogvyby

We’re excited to once again be part of Showcase 2026, the annual graduate exhibition from UWE Bristol celebrating emergi...
05/06/2026

We’re excited to once again be part of Showcase 2026, the annual graduate exhibition from UWE Bristol celebrating emerging talent across the College of Arts, Technology and Environment.

Arnolfini will be showcasing work from graduating students in Graphic Design and Photography, featuring innovative projects, creative storytelling and fresh perspectives from the next generation of artists and designers.

An annual highlight for the city of Bristol, Showcase 2026 spans multiple venues across the city and celebrates the exceptional work of more than 1,200 graduates across 30+ courses. Everyone is invited to visit, explore the exhibitions and support this year’s graduating students.

Never finished Don Quixote?Neither have most people.Fortunately, Dik Downey has turned the 1,000-page classic into an aw...
04/06/2026

Never finished Don Quixote?

Neither have most people.

Fortunately, Dik Downey has turned the 1,000-page classic into an award-winning live comedy featuring puppets, clowning, a mid-life crisis and a horse called Rocinante.

Funny, ridiculous and unexpectedly moving.

"So funny that your face will hurt." –

🗓️ 31 July and 1 August, 7.30pm
📍 Arnolfini Theatre
🎟 Tickets from £13.50 via Headfirst https://buff.ly/QCyjdqq

The Guardian interview Polly Braden ahead of her Arnolfini exhibition: 'Against the Tide' opening 27 JuneOver the course...
04/06/2026

The Guardian interview Polly Braden ahead of her Arnolfini exhibition: 'Against the Tide' opening 27 June

Over the course of a year, Polly Braden travelled to coastal communities across England and Wales, documenting the lives of young people growing up on the geographic and socioeconomic edges of the country.

The result is a moving collection of photographs that challenge stereotypes and celebrate creativity, resilience and community.

"The young people are really powerful. They know what they want and they will tell you, if you listen." – Read the full Guardian interview with Polly Braden here: https://buff.ly/dJBrDYe

'Against the Tide' is a project led by Braden in collaboration with journalist Lisa Bachelor as part of The Guardian’s Seascape series.

🎨 Our Exhibition Producer, Kiara Corales, recently reviewed 'Fragments of Joy', the first solo exhibition by AIM artist ...
04/06/2026

🎨 Our Exhibition Producer, Kiara Corales, recently reviewed 'Fragments of Joy', the first solo exhibition by AIM artist Betty Sargent.

In her review, Kiara reflects on Betty's joyful and intuitive practice, from intricate crochet sculptures to richly layered textile collages, celebrating an artist whose work is shaped by curiosity, care and imagination.

While 'Fragments of Joy' has now come to a close, there's still time to see Betty's work as part of AIM's current group exhibition at Pound Arts, Corsham, open until 6 June.

Read Kiara's review via the link in our bio and discover more about Betty's practice and the work of AIM, our Creatives in Residence programme supporting learning-disabled and neurodivergent artists.

🔗 https://buff.ly/eGPYoJq

POP IN + SEE US 🌤️Whether you’re stopping by for a morning coffee, a spot of lunch, or an after-work beer, we’ve got you...
04/06/2026

POP IN + SEE US 🌤️

Whether you’re stopping by for a morning coffee, a spot of lunch, or an after-work beer, we’ve got you covered.

We’re open daily from 8am with great coffee and delicious food from .303, followed by perfectly poured super-fresh pints right through the day until 10pm.

Pop in and see us - we’d love to welcome you.

This Refugee Week, experience 'Journeys' by The Paper Cinema – a new live animation performance created in partnership w...
02/06/2026

This Refugee Week, experience 'Journeys' by The Paper Cinema – a new live animation performance created in partnership with people seeking refuge in the UK.

Through live music and projected illustrations, three journeys to safety unfold across land, sea and air. Following the performance, audiences are invited to share feedback and meet the people behind the project.

📅 18 June | 7pm–8pm
🎟 £12 / £8 concessions
❤️ Free entry for refugees
🔗 Book here: https://buff.ly/zAQ2MWf

Address

16 Narrow Quay
Bristol
BS14QA

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 5pm
Wednesday 11am - 5pm
Thursday 11am - 5pm
Friday 11am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

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