The Island
Arts facility and events space, based in Bristol City Centre
Venue > The Island
- Location info – Show map
- Nelson Street, Bristol, BS1 2BE
- For full access information please download our accessibility document.
- 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.
Circus Training Space
The Island Circus Training Space offers many classes in circus-related disciplines, including silks, rope, aerial hoop, trapeze and acro yoga.
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.
Island Artist Studios
Work along side like minded creative people
Latest news
- Artspace Lifespace Cultural Venue ExchangeExploring 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 […]
- 🐇 Artspace Lifespace April Highlights 🐇Bunnies, Antiques and an Ottopia in our April 2024 Newsletter.
- Unlocking Potential: The Impact of Unrestricted Funding on Artspace LifespaceWhat a difference a grant makes! Funding serves as the lifeblood for organisations dedicated to serving their missions and nurturing thriving communities. However, not all funding opportunities are created equal. Unrestricted funding offered us a breath of fresh air, flexibility and empowerment in a landscape often dominated by restrictive funding streams. In 2023, Artspace Lifespace […]
- Roots Of Resilience: Saving Community SpacesWe’ve been reflecting a lot recently on space for culture and creativity. Our sister company THE INVISIBLE CIRCUS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY parted ways from Artspace Lifespace when they wanted longer-term security than meanwhile community space could offer. Ironically in the same year that Artspace Lifespace celebrated 15 years of meanwhile space at #theislandbristol, the Invisible Circus received notice […]
- 🤖 March highlights at Artspace 🤖Boobies, Broadmead XP and celebrations for International Women’s Day at our buildings this March.