Every year as part of Bristol Open Doors, The Island invite the Bristol public to explore what’s going on inside. The Island, historically a Police Station, dates back to 1928 when it was first built alongside neighbouring buildings –The Law Courts and The Fire Station.
This was my first time exploring the the building, I was eager to see what the grande façade would uncover. Greeted with friendly faces we embarked on our journey, the building has a cold, dark aura at first glance with many long corridors and windows. Like a secret maze there are loads of doors and tucked away rooms filled with diverse colourful environments which are home to local Artists studio spaces. Artists styles varied from, textiles, painters, print, animation 3d sculpture, glass, photography and more.
The first activity that I took part in was being photographed by a talented professional photographer. We spoke for ages about ourselves, our work and Bristol. He really set the tone as he was so lovely and friendly and to my surprise he captured me wonderfully! His photography style seemed unique, the images were all black and white and very natural.
A local artist who specialises in drawing with the elderly described her space to be an old police interview room, which felt fitting as it was very small and private, with one beautiful bold beam of light shining right through, it was now that I discovered the lighter parts of the building.
Descending into what felt like a dungeon, I headed to the basement where the old cell rooms are situated. The basement was secluded and even darker made up of cell rooms with recognisable bars for doors. Peeping into the events space I was astounded and imagined how perfect a party would be there!
The maze continued, now all the way onto the top floor. A large open space filled with artists finest and (some) thought-provoking pieces. It was quiet, and so I stayed for a while. Venturing into the last corner of the building, four ladies were partaking in a Capoeira taster class session and before I knew it, so was I! They were welcoming and we all had a flair for dance so even as beginners we enjoyed it enjoyed it. A new skill endeavoured!
Lastly I visited the Circus room, there were people juggling, Hula hooping and having fun, I couldn’t resist have one quick shake in the hoop. Soon after the team were teaching me how to juggle – another skill in the bag.
A truly wholesome experience to say the least, having once only associated the location as a rave, (from when I first moved to Bristol 5 years ago) my perception has certainly changed, I never knew there was so much going on inside and the space was so well used. An engaging event, in a rare building with a fascinating atmosphere and talented residents.
Art Of Inclusion 