Artspace Lifespace

01/10/2026

⭐ Artspace Lifespace September newsletter ⭐ - https://mailchi.mp/artspace/2026-21073703

The Island Open Studios returns along with exhibitions, International Repair Day and a monthly Open Mic Night, all for free this October.

21/09/2026

How can communities breathe new life into the spaces and heritage of our high streets? 🏙️✨

Artspace Lifespace CEO Kathryn Chiswell-Jones will be joining others dedicated to transforming empty, underused spaces into thriving community assets at the Make CIC FLIPIM conference 24/09.

The High Street Innovators panel is hosted in partnership with

Chair: Kate McKenzie (Power to Change )
Panellists: Louise Cross (Make CIC ) Chris Hill (Dewsbury Arcade) & Kathryn Chiswell Jones (Artspace Lifespace )
Power to Change The Arcade Dewsbury Wish Upon a Party | Children’s Parties Wirral Liverpool Chester Magenta Living K I N D R E D Heart Leadership Platform Places University College London

01/09/2026

🚌Artspace Lifespace September newsletter 🚌 - https://mailchi.mp/artspace/2026-21073056

New circus classes, exhibitions and an open mic night this September at Artspace Lifespace projects The Island and sparksbristol

31/08/2026

It's city centre Open Studios season!

Centrespace Studios, Jamaica Street Studios The Island

The Island and Centrespace will also be opening up their doors to visitors in the coming weeks

06/08/2026

This summer, Playful Broadmead invites you to slow down, look a little closer and rediscover the city centre through creativity, curiosity and play. From handcrafted fairy doors hidden across Broadmead to family-friendly activities and public art, there’s something waiting around every corner.

As part of the trail, step inside Sparks Bristol for storytelling and Crafty Fridays, then continue your adventure at The Island , where creativity fills every room in our repurposed former police station. Whether you’re exploring hidden details, meeting artists or trying something new, there’s plenty to discover.

📍 Follow the fairy door trail across Broadmead until 2 September and see where it takes you.

Tag us if you spot one of the tiny doors! 🧚✨

01/08/2026

Take time to chill at Sparks! Step insides for weekly events and special summer activities ✨⁠
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Find out more on the website sparksbristol.co.uk

30/07/2026

"Broadmead is suffering from problems like anti-social behaviour, vacant shops and high rents.

One recent success however is meanwhile uses for empty buildings. The former Marks and Spencer building has become home to Sparks, a creative arts, sustainability and community venue with independent traders, workshops and exhibitions."

sparksbristol

Big changes are on the way but the shopping area appears to be tumbling downhill

29/07/2026

In the face of rising costs and online retail, keeping our high streets alive with community centred activity is a big challenge.

"For the past five years Bristol City Council has given out more than £1m to small businesses, charities and community interest companies, as part of the Vacant Commercial Property Grant scheme."

The future of the scheme is uncertain. It was initially set up to help economic recovery post pandemic. The last day the council is accepting applications is November 14.

10/07/2026

Taking on an empty building can feel like it needs a second language. Meanwhile use. Rateable value. CAT. MEES. Swipe for the terms every property owner, community group and creative should know!

All of it in our free Vacant Property Toolkit. Link in bio!

Hashtags: CommunityWealthBuilding

07/07/2026

'Guilt Removed' is a body of work that explores the complexities of growing up. Artist Jeremy Robinson looks at his relationship with his family and encourages viewers to bring their own experiences into the space. ⁠
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Jeremy's parents had divorced during his late teen years and that had caused a large rift between him and them. This rift has never fully healed and this work looks at the past, present and future of dealing with a complex family relationship. ⁠
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Private view Monday 27th of July, 5pm and 7pm⁠
Free and open to the public Tuesday 28th July to Saturday 1st August, 12 - 6pm.⁠
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Writing workshops with the artist 28th - 1st August, 10 - 12pm, cost is £2 - £4, book via eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guilt-removed-writing-workshop-tickets-1987813815633
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The Island Gallery, First Floor, Bridewell Street, Bristol. BS1 2QD. ⁠
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The gallery is located on the first floor of the building. Access is limited by two flights of stairs, please see artspace.uk/venue/the-island/gallery-space/ for our full accessibility document.⁠
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