Art / Bristol Ferry Boats
Preview: Spike Island Open
Back at the end of this month, the hugely popular annual Spike Island Open is a chance to explore behind the scenes of the former Brooke Bond tea packing factory.
Spike Island is a vibrant hub of creativity for Bristol and the South West, home to over 70 artists’ studios, Spike Print Studio (the largest open-access print studio in the south-west), UWE Fine Art BA/MA students and many other creative practitioners including designers, writers, filmmakers, animators and photographers.
is needed now More than ever
Spike Island Open sees artists throw open their doors for you to see inside their spaces and learn about their work. Dotted around the building over the last weekend of April you’ll find an eclectic and intriguing mix of screenings, performances, installations, workshops and talks take place.
Highlights over the weekend include clay vessel throwing with Sarah Wilton; an art installation by Helen Grant aboard one of the Bristol Ferry Boats; young people’s film screenings by Bristol production company Calling the Shots, and apple-related art activities including badge making and Wassail singing with the Whitchurch and Hengrove Community Orchard; and a talk by Aardman Animations’ Gavin Strange on his book Do Fly.
Creative fuel is brought by some of Bristol’s best street food traders, including Big O Donut Co. and Gopal’s Curry Shack, while Spike Island Café offer a colourful organic menu.
Even the getting there is part of the fun: catch a Bristol Ferry Boat and encounter some special artists’ commissions on board.
Spike Island Open 2017 Friday, April 28, 6-9pm (followed by party) / Saturday, April 29 to Monday, May 1, 11am-5pm. For more info, visit www.spikeisland.org.uk/events/activities/spike-island-open-studios-2017
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