Show of solidarity at city centre squat

Eagle-eyed passers-by will have spotted signs of life in the long-neglected doorway nestled between Bristol Ticket Shop and St Nick’s Market in recent weeks.

Amid the graffiti and posters, a notice printed on simple white paper declares solidarity with ADM – a well-established squat and free space in Amsterdam that was evicted in December – and high above street level, a banner hangs level with the historic windows, through which strip lights are visible.

“A city without free spaces is like a circus without a clown. Resist the gentrification of our cities that suppress autonomous spaces,” reads the bottom of the declaration.

The well-established AMD space in Amsterdam was evicted in December

“Originally, it was a political demonstration about squatting and free spaces,” says Allan, a performer who has been involved in squatting in Bristol over the past ten years.

Over a coffee one recent morning, he and Kristina – who prefer not to give their last names – sit down to talk about their vision for the High Street property they have occupied for the last few weeks.

They hope to transform the historic building, which backs onto the Rummer Hotel, into a cultural free space, full of arts and performance – but say that much of the early conversation has actually centred around housing need, as people have come in desperate for a roof over their heads.

“There is so much work that we could be doing, but it’s also about having the space to be able to do it,” says Kristina.

“If people are constantly trying to survive, they don’t have time for that. It’s about people power. It’s not about getting handouts from the council or government.”

Speaking about the dramatic eviction of ADM in Amsterdam, she continues: “They would put on awesome events and if bands were going to Amsterdam, they could stay there for free.

“It was a massive network and it was a really important cultural, free space. When they got evicted, we felt we had to do something about it because it’s something going on not just there, but all over.”

The pair argue that the tradition of squatting and having social, free spaces must be protected, or the sub cultures and movements that spring from these roots will be lost forever.

“The reason Bristol is a circus city is directly linked with transient people and squatting,” says Allan.

“We think it’s really important that those free spaces remain – places where it’s not all about making money.

“Gentrification is causing a crisis, not just in housing, but also a cultural crisis.”

“People need to appreciate the history and that a lot of what they enjoy is because of those people and spaces,” adds Kristina.

Allan says that while legislation has already been brought in to crack down on squatting, the numbers of people living in caravans and vans, as well as rough sleepers, have risen. He argues that people deserve to have their basic human rights recognised.

“People living in vans are self-sufficient and helping themselves, but they just need a bit of support,” adds Allan, who would like to see the council help by providing more central sites for van dwellers to go and access basic amenities.

Kristina and Allan believe its more important now than ever to stand up for free spaces

Kristina and Allan say the strength of people power in Bristol is impressive, and many have come out and expressed solidarity with the cause, but there is still much to fight for.

The council-owned building on High Street was most recently home to the Looking Glass, a vibrant art and performance space.

“A lot of people talked about how good it was for Bristol, but they were evicted only for it to be left empty,” points out Kristina.

Allan, who works in circus, festivals and cabaret believes it’s more important now than ever to fight for free spaces and important sub cultures.

“The Tories tried to destroy the traveller culture and lifestyle but they failed,” he says.

“Without those free spaces, we would not have the sub culture and room for these things to grow. Travelling showmen had to fight for their right to be and they do some important work.

“If we only having ideas coming out of the economic capitalist model, that is not going to save us.”

Read more: Squatters out, bailiffs in at Bristol’s oldest squat