WHAT WE DO

Artspace Lifespace is an arts charity managing unique venues to provide affordable spaces for artists to make, develop and showcase their work. We offer a mix of artists’ studios and space for exhibitions, filming, events, rehearsal and independent retail across our Bristol venues The Island, The Vestibules, Broadmead XP (The Galleries), Sparks Bristol and the Arts Mansion in North Somerset

Serving the Bristol arts community since 2006, we became a registered charity in 2016, specialising in revitalising forgotten spaces on a meanwhile basis. In addition to providing affordable room for artists, we provide consultancy to professionals such as architects, planners and developers who are committed to regeneration focused on community need. Any profits from earned income are reinvested back into sustaining the organisation and supporting our creative community.

We advocate strongly for the arts in the South West. Through our Residency Programme, the facilitation of network meetings and lobbying, we support individual artists and organisations across all sectors and art forms.

SPACES TO HIRE

We have a wide range of rooms to hire over our four buildings.

You might be looking for a large community meeting space in Sparks Bristol department store, grand rooms at the Arts Mansion or police cells at The Island. Take a look and help us to continue our charitable purpose of providing support and space to the creative community.

Whether it’s film locations, training spaces or messy art studios, we have the right room for you.

ARTSPACE RESIDENCIES

Artspace Lifespace offer residencies across our three projects, The Vestibules, Arts Mansion and The Island.

We are proud to support artists to develop new work. Applications for the 2024 residency programme are now open.

“My artspace lifespace residency at Sparks allowed me to carry out my workshops for my research in a relaxing and positive environment that echoes my values. Being able to use the space free of charge relieved a lot of financial pressure too.” – Ellen Edwards

See details of previous residencies

Artist Jennie Cave in her busy artist studio at The Island

COMMUNITY OF CREATIVES

This month’s Creative Spotlight is on Island studio holder Jennie Cave.

Jennie makes retro surreal collage influenced by life. She is inspired by the weird and wonderful world around us, her travels, and times gone by.

Jennie is one of the longest standing studio holders at The Island but is leaving us in October! She’s working on a commemorative poster design for our 15th Birthday celebrations, prints will be available at our 2023 Open Studios and online.

LATEST NEWS

A Sad Farewell to Unit 15

a signpost on a wall listing closed artistic projects

A new development on an industrial estate in St Philip’s may see us lose one of Bristol’s key cultural institutions from the city as the Invisible Circus are pushed out of Unit 15.

Broadmead XP

A large room with art on the wall and a large table surrounded by chairs

In 2023 Artspace Lifespace continued on our mission to recycle vacant, under-used and problem properties into thriving creative resources and took on management of a retail unit in The Galleries, Broadmead, called Broadmead XP. Broadmead XP houses the retro gaming emporium Playback Arcade a freeplay arcade run and owned by enthusiastic long-term gamers and friends, Mark […]

Creative Ideas for February Half Term

A woman and child dance under a glitter ball in a park podium

February half term is coming fast. With the unpredictable weather it’s always a daunting week to fill with affordable kids entertainment so here’s some tips for creative days out around Bristol, including good picnic and toilet spots! As a venue who recently held a 90’s crisp buffet night we can’t help but love Zion Space […]