In 1976, a group of artists came together in Bristol with a simple but radical aim: to make space for art and experimentation in a city where affordable space was scarce. They founded what was then known as Artspace Bristol – an artist-led initiative rooted in collectivism, self-organisation and a belief in the value of creative communities. Artspace provided a much-needed space for Bristol-based creatives to root their practice and experiment with community, stability, and infrastructure. Their founding call: 

“Artist? Don’t leave. Contact Artspace Bristol” 

Fifty years on, this call to action is just as relevant today. 

Fifty years on, Spike Island is still defined by these founding principles. 

Spike Island’s anniversary year marks half a century since those first artists claimed the right to space . The launch of the Spike Island 50 (SI50) anniversary campaign is both a celebration of that history and a clear statement of why it matters today. 

From the beginning, Artspace was about more than just a building. It was about artists shaping their own conditions of work, resisting exclusion, and building infrastructure that allowed creativity to flourish outside of traditional hierarchies. That spirit of artist-led experimentation and collectivity has carried Spike Island through decades of change, landmark exhibitions, a prestigious list of acclaimed alumni, and a creative community with a reputation for quality – now all housed in our historic building, a former tea-packing factory on Bristol’s harbourside. 

Today, Spike Island is internationally recognised for its ambitious exhibitions, its vibrant community of studio holders, and its role in supporting artists at pivotal moments in their careers. But at its core, it remains what it always was: a place made by artists, for artists. 

Spike Island is a Space for Artists 

That mission feels as urgent now as it did in 1976. Spike Island’s role is more vital than ever, as artists face unprecedented pressures: rising rents, insecure incomes, shrinking public funding and unequal access to creative opportunities. The question of who gets to be an artist is important and is increasingly being taken out of the hands of creatives. 

Spike Island exists to counter these challenges. Through affordable studio provision, commissioning and development opportunities, free public exhibitions, and spaces for learning and exchange, Spike Island continues to provide essential cultural infrastructure for Bristol’s creative ecology. It is a place where artists can work, test ideas, collaborate and connect directly with audiences. 

This is why in 2026, we look forward just as much as we look back. Our 50th year is about recognising a lineage of artist-led action and asking how that legacy can shape the next 50 years of contemporary art in Bristol. Across the year, we will celebrate the artists, communities and collaborators who have shaped Spike Island’s past, whilst offering a year of new events that celebrate the best of Bristol’s art scene. 

Over the coming months, SI50 will unfold as a story of past, present and future – and an invitation to be part of what comes next. This is your Spike Island: shaped by artists, sustained by communities, and vital to the cultural life of Bristol. 

What have we got planned? 

1–3 May 2026: Open Studios 50  

Our signature event, Open Studios has been a cornerstone of Spike Island’s annual calendar since the early days. We open our doors to thousands of visitors, offering behind-the-scenes access to over 70 artists’ studios, Spike Print Studio, UWE Bristol Fine Art studios, and the work of many other creative practitioners. Expect performances, creative workshops for all ages, and food and drink offerings from some of Bristol’s most beloved vendors and breweries.  

24–26 July 2026: Spike Print Fair  

There is no Spike Island without Spike Print Studio, and print-making has been at the heart of the Artspace community since the very beginning. This inaugural fair will pay tribute to that legacy, showcasing Bristol’s rich printmaking scene and offering artists working in all print disciplines the opportunity to present and sell their work. 

September 2026: Summer Party Fundraiser  

A lively evening of food, drink, music and performance. This will be a moment to honour the communities who have shaped Spike Island and to ensure the continued sustainability of this essential cultural space.  

4–6 December 2026: ‘Made at Spike’ Winter Fair  

Spike Island is not only a place where art is shown — it is where art is made. This fair will spotlight the breadth of practices that thrive in our studios, inviting audiences to meet artists, discover new work, and purchase directly from the makers who are central to our community.