Open Studios is a once-a-year chance to go behind the scenes at Spike Island – a former Brooke Bond tea-packing factory, now an international centre for contemporary art. Home to over 70 artists’ studios, Spike Print Studio, UWE Bristol Fine Art, as well as many other creative practitioners including designers, filmmakers, architects, animators and photographers, Spike Island is a key contributor to the cultural life of Bristol and the South West.

This hugely popular annual event gives you access to explore the studios, see works-in-progress, learn about different creative processes, and buy unique work directly from the artists.  The family-friendly programme includes events, performances and workshops for you to test your own creative skills and experience artists’ ideas first-hand. In Spike Island’s galleries, discover major exhibitions of contemporary art by international and South West-based artists.

A range of Bristol street food traders host pop-up kitchens across the site, alongside our delicious café Emmeline, to fuel your Open Studios visit. With surprises around every corner, this annual event is an unmissable chance to discover, celebrate and support Spike Island’s dynamic artistic community.

This year’s Open Studios is taking place from 28 to 30 April 2023.

Please note: This does not include Bank Holiday Monday 1 May 2023.