Spike Island at 50

Spike Island is a space for artists. 

Our celebrations are driven by Spike Island’s vibrant ecosystem of artists, designers, makers, curators, students, educators, audiences, and our longstanding partners. 

As we look ahead to the next 50 years of Spike Island, we have our sights set on our core values. This year gives us a great opportunity to:  

• Celebrate the spirit of artist-led experimentation and collectivity that continues to thrive at Spike Island today 

• Keep Bristol affordable and viable for artists by providing subsidised studios and an ongoing home for artists at every stage of their career 

• Inspire the next generation of artists 

• Commemorate our amazing creative ecosystem together with our long-standing partners: UWE Bristol, Spike Print Studio and Emmeline Café 

WHAT HAVE WE GOT PLANNED?

Spike Island invites Bristol to join an ambitious programme of events that honours our past, highlights the experimental ethos at our core, and looks ahead to shaping the next 50 years. 

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

Spike Island’s 50th year is the moment to celebrate what our unique creative community has achieved. 

Collaboration is at the core of our future. We invite you to join us and support however you can – from making a donation or becoming a patron to partnering with us to make special things happen. 

History

Spike Island began in 1976 when a group of painters, sculptors and printmakers came together with a shared belief: that artists needed space, time and community in order to thrive. 

Collaboration was central from the start. Artists worked independently while sharing resources, ideas and skills, with Bristol Printmakers establishing an open-plan print space for all members. As the community grew, so did its ambition. The Sculpture Shed was created in 1984 to support large-scale work, and the organisation became embedded in the cultural life of the city through exhibitions, residencies, open studios and exchanges. 

In 1992, following a collective campaign for a secure future, Artspace Bristol moved into the former Brooke Bond tea-packing factory and became Spike Island. 

Watch: A history of Artspace

ARTSPACE from electronicsunset on Vimeo.

Learn more about our history.