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About

About

Photograph by Lisa Whiting

We are home to

We are home to

We are Bristol's international centre for the production and exhibition of contemporary art

Spike Island supports, produces and presents contemporary art and culture across an 80,000 square foot former industrial building in Bristol. Its diverse artistic programme includes free major exhibitions, events and engagement activities taking place on-site and online. Championing outstanding work by emerging and underrepresented local, national and international artists, the programme enhances access to contemporary art for audiences from all backgrounds.

Alongside its public offer, we directly supports artists through new commissions, over 70 subsidised studios, and sector-leading artist development opportunities that widen access to its programme and facilities.

We create ambitious exhibitions, events and commissions

Each year, Spike Island brings artists from all over the world to our museum-sized gallery spaces.

Working with Spike Island has been one of those other worldly experiences…I have been profoundly lucky to work with the team and I haven’t really left.” – Veronica Ryan OBE RA, Turner Prize Winner (2022), Exhibiting artist (2021)

Portrait of Veronica Ryan with her exhibition, Along a Spectrum at Spike Island

We support a community of artists to thrive

Spike Island’s founders were determined to build a community of artists, and to support them to stay in Bristol. Our affordable artists’ studios continue that vision. We are a vital part of the wider Bristol community and a key contributor to the cultural life of Bristol and the South West.

“Having a studio at Spike Island has been invaluable, enabling me to be part of an art community who have supported the evolution of my practice.” – Young In Hong, Studio artist and Exhibiting artist (2024)

Spike Island Open Studios: Conway and Young. Photograph by Lisa Whiting

WE INSPIRE A PASSION FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

Spike Island’s Engagement programme invites people of all ages and backgrounds to discover and connect with contemporary art and artists.

Our partnership with Spike Island provides progression routes for young artists…This pathway is significant in supporting the development of young people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to these opportunities.” – Emily Bull, Head of Creative, Creative Youth Network

WE PROVIDE A HOME FOR CREATIVE BUSINESSES

From its beginnings, Spike Island has collaborated with other creative and artistic organisations. We are home to many businesses across a broad range of industries, including architecture, arts education, printmaking, digital, graphic and product design.

Spike Island Workspace has played a pivotal role in helping new creative businesses get off the ground. It’s more than just a workspace; it’s a vital piece of Bristol’s creative ecology helping fuel the growth of the city’s creative industries.” – Chris Thurling, Executive Chair, Armadillo and Former Chair of Bristol Creative Industries

A photograph of Spike Island Workspace
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