Spike Island’s Engagement programme invites people of all ages and backgrounds to discover and connect with contemporary art and artists.
The programme includesa broad range of activities and initiatives, including workshops, exhibitiontours,Engagement Fellowships andcollaborations with artists andlocal partner organisations. Taking place in our building and online, and sometimes using our exhibitions as inspiration, our programmeexploresvariedart forms and encourages creative learning for diverse communities.Our current partners include: OTRBristol, Creative Youth Network and Age UK.
Activities
Spike Island organises activities for children, young people and families throughout the year.
I Am Making ArtI Am Making Art invites all ages and abilities to try out new techniques and approaches to making art, from drawing to collage, sculpture to animation.
Dream and MakeDream and Make enables children aged 5–11 to experiment with a variety of techniques and approaches to making art, from drawing and painting to collage, sculpture and animation, led by artist Laura Phillimore.
Bring Your Baby ToursBring Your Baby Tours are exhibition tours designed for parents and carers of babies, led by producer Jane Porter.
Baby Art HourBaby Art Hour provides a space for under-fives and their carers to play, discover and create while exploring simple materials, texture, colour, shape, processes and ideas, led by artist Éilis Kirby.
“Well-paced, interesting, well-explained and led, they taught me things I didn't previously know. Creative fun with an excellent end product.”
– I Am Making Art: Pompom Synth Making (September 2022)
We organise workshops and other activities for children, young people and over 50s in partnership with local organisations including OTR Bristol, Creative Youth Network and Age UK. Our aim is to provide a space where these groups can get creative, learn new skills, and connect with our community of artists.
Previous collaborations with OTR Bristol have included ceramics workshops withTurner Prize-winning artist Veronica Ryan, as well as a series of film and animation workshops exploring science fiction futures,facilitated by artist and Spike Island studio holder Bryony Gillard.
“A chance to meet people and relax, learning a new experience in life.”
– Age UK Tour and Painting Workshop with Valda Jackson (November 2022)
“The participation element in small groups was brilliant and encouraged conversation in a way I haven't experienced at events before.”
– The Body-Forest Launch event with Jack Young (March 2022)
Fellowships
We offer Fellowships for artists and curators to support their professional development and enhance engagement with contemporary art across the South West of England.
Fiona Irene Graf, Spike Island Engagement Fellowship for South West-based Curators (2023)
Anna-Haydock-Wilson, Spike Island and Creative Youth Network Engagement Fellowship for Artists (2023)
Jack Young, Spike Island Engagement Fellowship for South West-based Curators (2022)
Rachal Bradley, Spike Island and Creative Youth Network Engagement Fellowship for Artists (2022)
Amelia Hawk, Spike Island and Creative Youth Network Engagement Fellowship for Artists (2024)
GROUPS AND TOURS
We regularly offer tours including BSL and Bring Your Baby Tours to enrich your visit to our exhibitions.Be sure to check what’s on, or get in touch to enquire about upcoming activities.
If you are planning a visit for your school or community group, book ahead for a short introduction to Spike Island, including a brief history of our spaces, gallery orientation and our current exhibitions.
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