In September 2018 In Bristol Studio hosted and organsied the ‘Festival of Making’, a multi-disciplinary open studio event celebrating the creativity of our residents and the local community.
The Festival was FREE to enter and there were taster workshops so local residents could try something new.
For families there were lots of free creative play: pavement chalks, giant building blocks, den building and collaborative weaving projects to get involved in. There was also a drop in tote bag illustration workshop.
The theme for this hands on open studio event was ‘COTTON’ inspired by the original use of our studio building, and its history as part of the Great Western Cotton Factory. Studio members responded to this theme in a multitude of ways, exploring history, tools, objects, people and processes.
The studio was filled with a showcase of new work by our varied and talented artist and maker residents.
You can view photos from the festival via this YouTube showreel:
Among the work on display were three PARTICIPATE commissions, facilitated by studio members working with groups from our local community. These were also supported by Pangea Sculpture Centre.
We also had eight COLLABORATE commissions – work made especially for the event by studio members combining their skills and practices to work together. We encouraged our artists to work outside of their normal practice, to share skills, and to be as experimental as they like!
All the commissions for new work and participatory workshops were funded via an Arts Council England Project Grant. This incredible organisation makes an unrivalled contribution towards creative professional development, whilst encouraging wider involvement in, and appreciation of the Arts.
Our artists were also supported by the Up Our Street Endowment Fund, a grant for residents and groups helping deliver projects in the local area.
The Festival of Making Participate Toolkit
As part of this project In Bristol Studio produced a Participate Toolkit which was designed to share best practice and experience gained during the festival.
Many Thanks to Ben Pryor and Bristol Arts Monster
