Circus / the island

The Island celebrates 15 years with Open Studios weekend

By Sarski Anderson  Monday Sep 11, 2023

For Artspace Lifespace, who turn underused or empty city buildings into hotbeds of creative activity and collaboration – often as ‘meanwhile projects’ for a few months – to mark even their 10 year anniversary at The Island was unexpected.

Now, half a decade on, they are celebrating an eclectic 15 year history in the repurposed city centre police station, supporting numerous artists, dancers, musicians and circus performers from their labyrinthine Bridewell St building.

To mark this milestone, they will be throwing open their doors for a 15th Birthday Open Studios weekend on September 15-16.

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The celebrations begin with an artists’ exhibition preview evening on Thursday, before it opens to the public the following afternoon.

On Saturday the whole space will be utilised, giving visitors a taste of the breadth and diversity of creative talent it houses.

Alongside two exhibitions there will be open studios, dance and circus taster classes (advanced booking recommended) and building tours, taking in the Island’s fascinating and somewhat gory history.

The Island 15th Birthday Open Studios is on September 15-16, with an advanced exhibition preview on September 14. For more information, visit www.artspace.uk.

All photos: Artspace Lifespace/ The Island

Read more: The Island is Ten

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