Bristol with Enas
We went on our first ‘School Trip’ with ENAS – the Essex Network of Artists’ Studios – yesterday. Our Hack / Maker Space is part of the Essex network providing support for artists, studios, and the public. So everyone who becomes a member of our space is also a member of ENAS. Not only can you tap into our project and it’s resources, you can collaborate and connect with a whole host of other studio spaces and artists in Essex. Brilliant.
The scheme is currently a two-year pilot programme managed by the sterling Jane Morrow. I joined Jane and a motley collection of over 25 artists from studios all over Essex for the first research trip to Bristol yesterday (Thursday 21st August).
First stop was Spike Island, a gallery founded by an artist collective that were traveling around finally residing in the tea packing factory the space has become today. Alongside their huge, light, dedicated exhibition space, they house creative businesses in Spike Design - very similar to our own fifteen Queen Street - and artists in studios scattered around the site. Their studios were huge with towering walls which are also used as an experimental gallery space (picture three above). Artists can also sign up to be an Associate Artist gaining access to talks, support, workshops, and in-turn help continue to shape the project. They also gain access to their own library / resource space to work from (pictures far right above) available to artists based there, but also other creatives living and working in Bristol. In truth it looks like this space has it all. Keen and engaging staff, artists and a glorious clean space. Perhaps my only criticism would be it’s location, every so slightly out of the town centre… but as we know with other projects. If you build it, they will come. And I could imagine they are currently bursting at the seams.
Next we sped over to Bristol Museum and Art Gallery to view the municipal space and gawk at Jeremy Deller’s new show. The overall building was stunning and I was actually surprised that the exhibitions were free. I had had a sinking feeling it was like the Tate and ‘bigger’ shows meant you had to pay. But hey! It was free! As you step in it’s a wondrous space and there is loads to take in. We didn’t have long so we had to rush around it (which actually isn’t always a bad thing). Personally I found the spaces quite difficult to find and Deller’s show was broken up into two parts leading you through the shop, up and around the natural history space, and to another room on the second floor. It disrupted my viewing experience but it did also encourage me to explore other areas of the museum. What can I say, the Bristol Museum felt like an institution to me. A brilliant space for families, schools, upcoming artists and everyday culture lovers.
Final stop, Arnolfini. In comparison to Spike, the project developed from a concept and space first and was pushed forward by artists / creatives second. It boasts five exhibition spaces, a theatre/cinema auditorium, Reading Room, Light/Dark Studios, shop and café in the Grade II listed converted warehouse. Again like Spike, very keen and engaging staff. A huge well lit space with an extremely comprehensive exhibition entitles The Promise, based on the city of Bristol focusing on the dialogue between the city and its people. We were right at the end of the trip and unable to explore beneath it’s huge creative skin. The space is located right by the harbour, buzzing with people, events and activities. This project doesn’t house the studio spaces or the clearer defined support for artists. Nor the safe shows like the Bristol Museum. In comparison I feel it was aimed at a group of people / creatives with a higher cultural drive and demand with it’s cinema, theatre, roaring cafe (it was seriously so busy and loud) and strong exhibition offering.
In reflection of the trip, I wonder, how do these three spaces work together and compliment one another? Looking at Colchester I immediately think of four gallery spaces: The Minories, firstsite, The Waiting Room and Slack Space. Each of these projects are in different locations, attract different people and provide support in different ways. Bristol had a huge creative scene and I imagine, like me, like us, the people based there crave a range of cultural offerings to keep them stimulated, excited and engaged.
After this short trip, I certainly want more. Enas will be curating another trip soon and they already have a HUGE offering of events for artists to enjoy. I encourage you to have a look, see what excites you, and go along. Looking at other projects and talking to other people is how we can continue to grow and develop our ideas, projects and our towns.
Want to get stuck in here at the Waiting Room? I curate Maker Wednesdays every week. Drop by to learn from a creative soul sharing their knowledge, craft or skill from 7.30pm. I’ll be there and I invite you to come along and see what we’re doing, I can give you a tour of the space, and I welcome your advice and support on how we continue to grow and develop what we offer here.