News / Arts
SPACE has been saved after online petition
A community arts venue in Old Market has been saved after an online petition was launched.
Artspace Lifespace – the community interest company behind The Island, based in the Old Bridewell Police Station – have been running a series of public and community arts activities and events at Arts West Side, under the title ‘SPACE’.
Standing for ‘sound, performance, art, community, engagement’, the events series has included public events, art shows, artist residencies and community meetings.
The centre was under threat after Bristol City Council decided to put the 6 West Street premises for rent on the open commercial market.
The council reconsidered after more than 1,000 people signed the petition organised by Trinity Community Arts and Artspace Lifespace.
After a series of discussions with deputy mayor Estella Tincknell the council agree to keeping SPACE as a hub for community arts and events until the end of March 2018.
Dina Ntziora, Project Manager for Artspace Lifespace said: “It is a victory for community arts and the importance of projects like SPACE in making Bristol the city it is today.
“We believe that temporary use and re-use of empty premises and buildings can help create dynamic and resilient places in and around our towns and cities.”
Emma Harvey, Centre Manager for Trinity said: “The support we’ve received from the public has been amazing…a big thank you to those involved who have helped us to achieve this fantastic outcome for Old Market.
Looking forward, SPACE says it has a ‘vibrant programme of events lined-up,’ including taking part in the Doing Things Differently festival, organised by Diverse City and Bristol City Council’s Culture Team, which aims to support creativity across the city and help reflect diversity on stage and in performance.
Read more: Petition to save SPACE