People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Vandna Mehta
Vandna Mehta is the co-founder of Diverse Artists Network, a development agency that champions diversity in the arts.
The agency is launching a membership scheme to empower artists and creatives in Bristol and the South West by providing resources and support to foster a more inclusive cultural landscape.
Vandna is also the artistic director of Diaspora!, a multi-cultural arts festival; the founder and editor-in-chief of Vocalise magazine; and an area manager for Shambala Festival, where she programmes diverse artists, and curates music and voice workshops.
is needed now More than ever
These are Vandna’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Arnolfini
Arnolfini is located within a former warehouse designed by Richard Shackleton Pope – photo: Martin Booth
“I’m lucky to be based at Arnolfini, Bristol’s international centre for contemporary arts, which is located on the harbourside in the heart of the city. The venue overlooks the water, and the picturesque views keep me calm and collected during all the chaos. I also love the independent bookshop, which showcases the very best titles across all areas of art and culture, and the quirky cafe, managed by Bristol Beer Factory. We also hold our monthly DAN artists gatherings upstairs in the community space, so feel free to come and say hello. For up to date information please subscribe to our newsletters via www.diverseartistsnetwork.com.”
The Jam Jar
“The Jam Jar is a vibrant independent live music venue in St Jude’s that I regularly frequent. I regularly support global majority artists to be programmed, and I also assist the venue with audience development. However, mostly I love to go to have a good ol’ boogie and let my hair down. The venue always makes me feel welcome, and DAN members often receive discounted tickets. We even showcase DAN artists at their annual Jam on the Horizon event, which is a collaboration with Lost Horizon and a few other local St Jude’s venues. Diaspora! Festival collaborates with the Jam Jar to bring a rich diverse programme which is fab.”
Baraka Community Cafe
Baraka Community Cafe is a family-friendly space serving breakfast, lunches, drinks, snacks and cakes – photo: Easton Christian Family Centre
“I love good vegetarian wholesome cuisine and one of the many places I go to is Baraka Community Cafe at Easton Christian Family Centre which offers tasty world cuisine at affordable prices and operates a pay-it-forward system to support refugees and asylum seekers. I love their ethos around supporting marginalised communities. Customers facing financial hardship can use prepaid tokens for food and are encouraged to contribute to the fund when they are able, ensuring that others can eat. Contact the cafe on arrival or email cafe@ecfc.org.uk for more information about the pay-it-forward programme or to make a donation.”
Avon Valley Woodlands
Conham River Park follows the winding River Avon – photo: Megan Foulk
“I find peace and restoration amidst nature’s embrace, and Bristol’s abundant green spaces offer the perfect escape from daily stresses. Avon Valley Woodlands nature reserve – encompassing Conham River Park, Hencliff Wood and Bickley Wood – is a favourite destination for leisurely walks with our family dog, Freddy, or to hug some wonderful trees. Afterwards, I sometimes enjoy a drink at the Elm Tree pub in Hanham.”
Jubilee Pool
“Jubilee Pool, a five-lane, 22-metre pool built in 1937 with a striking Art Deco design, is a favourite spot of mine in Knowle. It’s especially important to me because I’ve been taking Open Minds Active’s female-only swim classes there to work on my swimming. These classes have been a big boost to my self-confidence and overall wellbeing. Open Minds Active does great work breaking down barriers and making the outdoors more accessible, and they offer a variety of empowering workshops that promote both mental and physical health.”
Main photo: Dave Pratt
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