Preview: Southbank Arts Trail, May 16-17

Pictured above: Black Cat Devouring a City by Melanie Wickham, who exhibits at 14 Upton Rd. 

One of the key elements in Bristol’s thriving visual arts scene are its handful of neighbourhood art trails – where artists in a certain part of town throw open the doors of their homes and studios for a weekend, inviting the public in to see, talk about and, if they like, buy the artwork on view.

These popular trails now spread right across town, from Clifton to Easton, St Werburghs to Windmill Hill. Totterdown’s is the oldest, the North Bristol trail has perhaps the largest geographical spread. And BS3’s Southbank Arts Trail, in a part of town renowned for its breadth and depth of creative talent, is one of the biggest and best, attracting up to 5,000 visitors over its May weekend.

Arts trails are renowned for their inclusivity and Southbank is no different, with over 160 artists, makers, musicians and performers are exhibiting and performing in some 70 venues. “Any artist, maker or performer can join the SBA and the standard has been consistently high,” ,” reveals Southbank’s communications officer Angie Parker. “We had a slight panic this year at one point, when we had more artists than available venues… but a callout to local businesses ensured that every member has secured a great venue in which to exhibit.”

With over 70 venues to visit, working out where to go can be a major task. Any recommendations, Angie? “I’d recommend taking the entire weekend to visit everyone! Luckily you can view the artists and venues online or on the map beforehand to select work that appeals to your taste.

“Specifically, though, if high-end craft is your thing Venue 12 on Upton Road is a must. Five artists from Hothouse Alumni, the UK Craft Council’s prestigious emerging maker development programme, will be showing work – including Anna Gravelle, whose tufted textiles won her a Perrier Jouet Arts Salon Nominee this year, plus ceramicist Alex McCarthy, printmaker Susie Brooks and one of our founder members, ceramicist Katie Murton.

“Elsewhere, Bristol Pound designers Stewy and Susan Taylor will also be exhibiting this year, and at the last count I think we have seven Shaun the Sheep Artists participating. There is such an abundance of talent and I’ve not even mentioned the stained glass artists, photographers, ceramicists…the list goes on! Special mention must go to Orla Joan with her re-purposed VHS clocks… definitely on my list of ‘must sees’!”

And will all the hard work have been worth it come Trail weekend? “Absolutely! We’re so proud of what we’ve already achieved, especially when we could so easily have thrown in the towel. And the fact that we have more artists, makers and entertainers than ever before, in more venues, has made it worth it already.”

Southbank Bristol Arts Trail takes place on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 at venues across Southville, Bedminster and Ashton. For more info, visit www.southbankbristolarts.co.uk