When a group of painters, sculptors and printmakers came together for affordable artists’ studios, they ended up starting Artspace Bristol in 1976. It wasn’t until 1992 that the artists moved into the former Brooke Bond tea-packing warehouse. Creating a gallery space, individual studios, a print studio, and a café, Spike Island was born.
Today, Spike Island is home to hundreds of artists in over 70 studios, as well as countless cutting-edge exhibitions and residencies, and continues to be at the forefront of Bristol’s creative art scene. This year, Spike Island celebrates half a century as “an artist-led initiative rooted in collectivism, self-organisation and a belief in the value of creative communities.”
How is Spike Island celebrating its 50th?
With “shrinking public funding and unequal access to creative opportunities”, the work of Spike Island is as vital as ever. That’s why the Spike Island 50 anniversary campaign looks not just to be both a celebration of its history and a call to arms for its future, with several events lined up:
Open Studios 50 (May 1 to 3, 2026)
The annual Open Studios sees Spike Island throw open its doors to thousands of visitors once more—offering behind-the-scenes access to over 70 artists’ studios, Spike Print Studio, UWE Bristol Fine Art studios, and the work of many other creative practitioners. Expect performances, creative workshops, and food and drink offerings.
Spike Print Fair (July 24 to 26, 2026)
Print-making has always been at the heart of the Artspace community since the very beginning. Spike Print Studio’s inaugural fair will pay tribute to that legacy, showcasing Bristol’s rich printmaking scene and offering artists working in all print disciplines the opportunity to present and sell their work.
Summer Party Fundraiser (September, 2026)
To honour those who have shaped Spike Island and to support this cultural space, the Summer Party Fundraiser will offer a lively evening of food, drink, music and performance.
‘Made at Spike’ Winter Fair (December 4 to 6, 2026)
Christmas may feel a long way away, but this fair will spotlight the breadth of art practices at Spike Island’s studios just in time for the festive season. You’ll be able to meet the artists, discover new work, and purchase directly from the makers integral to the space.
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