The Island is ten

It’s celebration time at The Island, the multi-use arts venue, events space and artists’ studios complex housed in the Old Bridewell Police Station in Broadmead.

A flagship project from Artspace Lifespace (ASLS), the charity that recycles vacant, underused and problem properties into thriving creative resources, The Island now hosts over 100 resident artists as well as a circus school, music studios, dance rooms and a gallery space. Not to mention the subterranean complex of early 20th-century police cells, which have provided the backdrop to numerous gigs, micro-festivals and transgressive arts performances.

The Island has embedded itself deep within Bristol’s wider cultural landscape, hosting everything from Circus City to Mayfest and the Bristol Biennial art festival – not to mention those seminal Carny Ville promenade cabaret/theatre events back in 2007-09. It is, in short, a thriving, busy and hugely important part of Bristol cultural life.

Jane Hartoch is The Island’s centre manager, and part of the ASLS team. So, Jane, how did it all start? What was the initial spur to create The Island, and how did you secure the building? “In 2007 ASLS and The Invisible Circus had already taken over seven previous buildings and were on the lookout for a new home. The Bridewell complex was empty and looked perfect, the fact that it had housed the former police headquarters appealed to our anti-establishment nature.

An Open Studios event at The Island, with resident artists opening up their workspaces and inviting the public inside. Pic: sidzphotography.co.uk

“The whole building complex was in the hands of property management company Urban Splash, who had plans to redevelop the site. We were originally given access for four months in return for keeping the buildings safe. Eventually the buildings we occupied were sold to Bristol’s Creative Youth Network and the YMCA. We vacated some of them but continued to be based in the Old Bridewell Police Headquarters (owned by CYN), which we have now occupied for ten years.”

What were their ambitions for The Island, and how far along that journey are they now? “The original ambition was to find a home where a DIY environment could flourish, and to foster creative talent. ASLS are closely linked to The Invisible Circus so the provision of a circus training and performance space was key.

“We’ve achieved a hell of a lot over the ten years. The building is packed full of studios along with our Gallery, Dance Space and Circus Training Space. Every square inch of the building is used to provide opportunities to create.

This pic and top pic: scenes from The Invisible Circus’ hugely memorable Carny Ville nights at The Island in 2008 and 2009. Pics: Richard Anderson

“The Island is ASLS’ longest-running project. We never expected to be here this long, so our ambition now is to secure the building’s long-term future and continue to provide opportunities for artists and performers.”

Jane underlines how The Island both feeds off, and gives back to, the wider Bristol cultural and social ecology. “As an independent charity we have the freedom to react to the city around us. We encourage debate and like to host exhibitions and events that challenge the norm. Our studios attract emerging artists, as costs are low and the environment fosters creativity. We encourage our members to get involved with local projects and hold our annual open studios to showcase their talent.”

Highlights from the first decade? “The Carny Ville nights from 2007 to 2009 are still remembered by lots of people in Bristol. Many people I meet say that the nights were part of the reason they decided to move to or remain in the city.

The fact that we are still in the building, having navigated changing ownerships and financial environments, is testament to the drive and vision of the original members of ASLS and The Invisible Circus. We are now a charity and have worked hard to create working relationships and develop into a bona-fide company whilst staying true to our ideals.” And the challenges? “The building has many challenges (pigeons, hundreds of keys, damp) but provides the freedom needed to experiment with creative practices.”

And what’s next – for The Island, and for ASLS? “Our ten-year anniversary has made us think a lot about our legacy. We plan to continue to have The Island as a base for ASLS, as people feel very strongly about having a safe, affordable and enjoyable in which to express themselves.

“Elsewhere, ASLS currently head up the DIY cultural spaces workgroup with the aim of encouraging new DIY arts groups and evolving the discussion in Bristol about artist-led spaces. Our annual open studios, as part of Bristol Doors Open Day in September, will feature a talk about DIY spaces and the work we undertake with disused buildings. The other four ASLS projects – Jacobs Wells Baths, SPACE, The Vestibules and Arts Mansion at Ashton Court – are keeping us busy for now, but we are always on the look-out for interesting spaces in which to create.”

For more about all the excellent things happening at The Island, visit www.theislandbristol.com