News / Hamilton House
Preview: Hamilton House open day 2017
Coexist, the social enterprise behind Hamilton House, are opening the doors of one of Bristol’s favourite community buildings for a day of free activities on Saturday September 30, from midday-5pm. The team have organised a wide variety of drop-in workshops and talks in the artists’ studios, community arts space and conference space.
While the building is a familiar haunt to many, not all of the spaces are usually open to the public. As well as participating in one of the many workshops – covering various forms of dance, arts and crafts and exercise, including breakdancing with kids, a Mandala workshop, zumba and techno yoga – it’s also a chance to see the inner workings of the building.
Many of the resident artists who have studios in the building will open their spaces, showcasing the work they do all over the world, as well as on a very local scale.
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Regular tours of the building will be taking place throughout the day, with drumming and graffiti workshops outside on the decking and an exhibition featuring the work of Hamilton House artists in the gallery. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the Bristol Bike Project’s free bike check, and kids can escape to the Tea & Tots play corner, get their face painted or have a quick chair massage from one of the therapists.
From 6pm, Coexistence Festival will kick off a night of entertainment in Hamilton House’s usual style. Expect thought-provoking film screenings, poetry and performances, and a host of live bands and DJs, who are all playing at the event for free, to get feet tapping and hands clapping. It’s also an opportunity to voice thoughts and feelings about what should happen next in this community space, which has faced an uncertain future since building owners Connolly & Callaghan declared their intent to redevelop part of the building.
Coexist Festival will also act as a fundraiser, with all profits going to Coexist CIC as negotiations with the building owners draw to a close and a decision is made about redevelopment. Tickets for the evening at £10 in advance, or £12.50 on the door.
Hamilton House open day takes place on Saturday, September 30 from midday – 5pm, and is followed by Coexistence Festival from 6pm – midnight.
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