We recently welcomed Art For Action’s ‘Uprooted’ exhibition of paintings, photographs and films into the Gallery space here at The Island.

We chatted to Rose Illingworth, founder of Art For Action to find out more about her work to help improve the lives of those living in refugee camps through art.

Art For Action works directly in refugee camps, using art as a means to promote positivity. In the next few weeks, they will be working with Lesvos Solidarity on a street art project at one of the camps in Greece. With the help of people within the camps, they transform drab living conditions into a vibrant space that provides the residents with some hope.

The organisation has also built up an expansive network of refugee artists. Through each artist’s method of expression, it gives each of them a chance to express themselves and portray their individual journeys to the wider public through the exposure Art For Action provides. Rose wants the main focus of the organisation to be on the work of the artists. With a constant slew of media coverage bombarding the public with images and statistics, it can be easy to forget what a dehumanising experience life in refugee camps can be.

As well her own paintings, the work of two refugee photographers was on display. one from an Afghanistan and another from Syria. Afghani photographer Abdul Saboor’s stark images serve as a reminder of the conditions refugees find themselves existing in. Abdulazez Dukan’s self-taught digital imagery is a testament to wanting a normal life and his resolve to learn skills in spite of his situation. His story ends well as after much upheaval through escaping Syria, spending a turbulent few months on the Turkish/Syrian border, moving on to spend 10 months in various Greek refugee camps. He has now been granted Asylum in Belgium. Sadly Abdul Saboor is living in transit on the Serbian border.

‘Uprooted’ showcased work produced in Iraq, French and German refugee camps, Colombia, Sri Lanka, The Gambia, Egypt and Tanzania.

As an NGO (non-government organisation) Art For Action funds each project through fundraising and the proceeds of selling each and every painting or photograph. Your contribution makes a huge difference – all of the work that was on display is on sale.

Find out more about Art For Action’s work or donate here:

www.artforaction.co.uk

Expression of Interest / Call for proposals

The Vestibules – OPEN CALL

Are you looking for a city center space to showcase your art and talent? We have two identical spaces at each end of the City Hall, both available for use independently or together.

Calling all artists!

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Artspace Lifespace’s and Bristol City Council’s Arts Development Team have teamed up to invite local groups to express their interest in taking advantage of this unique opportunity.

We are calling out art collectives, designers, dancers, musicians, and makers to make use of 2 spaces available within the city hall to showcase their projects and ideas through exhibitions, performances, cinemas, workshops, art & crafts pop-up shops, fashion markets and small theatre shows. All artists are welcome to make use of The Vestibules to showcase their talent.

The Vestibules are available for hire for a variety of uses. Artspace Lifespace’s main vision for The Vestibules is to create an innovative and exciting creative space within the City Hall to support and motivate creativity in Bristol.

We would like to hear from you!! We encourage artists from all disciplines to apply.

Join us to create a very exciting programme of events for the City!

*Hire fees apply but also opportunities for in kind support of creative space are available.

To Apply:

If you are interested in using The Vestibules for presenting your work, please email us your ideas and proposals directly at: thevestibules@artspacelifespace.com

We are based at City Hall, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TR.

If you would like further information regarding The Vestibules, availability and cost, please contact us:

Email: thevestibules@artspacelifespace.com

Website: http://artspacelifespace.com/

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/thevestibules

Instagram: @thevestibules

Twitter: @thevestibules

The Island is proud to sign up to the Bristol Zero Tolerance Pledge!

Our event staff at our Basement Venue recently updated their Good Night Out Training as part of our pledge to support Bristol Zero Tolerance to address gender-based harassment. During the training we were reminded of the amazing range of people who use our building and the great people we work with to put on events. The training re-enforces our commitment to equality and empowers our staff and visitors to take appropriate action should anyone be feeling harassed on our premises.

We are very excited to let you all know that Jacobs Wells Baths Centre is open again for the public.