Wild Card Award Open Call for Artist Commission

In Between Time in partnership with Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA), Fierce Festival, Trinity Centre supported by Arnolfini, seek to commission an artist to make new work to premiere at IBT17 and tour throughout 2017.

Wild Card Award is committed to supporting and developing artists who engage with live practice and employ an experimental approach to process, form and audience.

Wild Card Award is part of IBT’s wider commitment to supporting artist development and sits alongside the New Bloods platform – an open-call for six emerging UK artists, and The Student Awards, a new prize given to 3 promising UK art students from Leeds Beckett University, University of Chichester and the University of the West of England.

The Wild Card Award 2015 commissioned Peter McMaster to create 27, which was performed in Fyfe Hall here at the Trinity Centre and is currently on tour with IBT.

Deadline Sunday 17th April - more info here

As you all may know, Trinity has been running 6 West Street Old Market for nearly 5 years, under Bristol City Council's Community Asset Transfer initiative, with the aim to support the regeneration of Old Market.

After a successful run of community cafe projects in the space, Trinity received many wonderful proposals for the use of the space, but we were only able to select one.

We are happy to announce that The Island submitted an innovative bid with a clear community engagement plan, which was close to Trinity's own aims and objectives for 2016.

The Island’s main vision for SPACE (Sound-Performance-Art-Community-Engagement) is to create a welcoming and open hub for the local community, supporting creativity in Bristol by showcasing work and sharing ideas. They will be curating a very exciting programme of monthly events, ranging from exhibitions, workshops, art & crafts pop-up shops, small theatre shows, fashion markets and so much more! This exciting partnership will allow us both organisations, Key Arts Providers for the city, to expand our involvement with the local community and offer in the locality.

SPACE launched on Friday 8th April, 6pm with “Vice & Virtue: Discovering the Story of Old Market Bristol” exhibition, based on Trinity's Heritage Project delivered between 2013-2015 by Dr Edson Burton and historian Mike Manson. It includes integrated extracts from oral interviews, photographs, and research findings of the area, covering the history of Old Market's pre 19th century through to the present.

If you would like further information regarding SPACE, exhibition/space or hire avails, please contact SPACE directly:

T: 01173 763 457

E: space@theislandbristol.com

W: http://theislandbristol.com/spaces/space/

Last Friday we saw the launch of Yellow Brick Roadz with Deep Medi's Gothrad & Cosmic Bridge label boss Om Unit. With support from T_! on the mighty RC1 Soundsystem. It was a Bass heavy low light event. Look out for their next exciting event coming up on 15^th April.

Coming up, we are pleased to host The Global Playground Fundraiser on Thursday 24th March, who have secured The Carnyvillains. Zen Hussies & The Undercover Hippyalongside a great host of acts to get you dancing, raising awareness and money for Felix Road Adventure Playground in Easton and school projects in Dunkirk & Calais Refugee Camps. Join us beforehand for FREE pre-event: 'The Refugee Crisis: What Can We Do?' an evening of live music and talks about the refugee crisis at 6pm.

Spring is here and we have the next installment of Teachings In Dub, held on Friday 22nd April, with an exciting line up includingthe legendary Levi Roots, Stryda and Nick Manasseh. Set to be a very special night, join us in celebrating 20 years of Stryda's Sufferah's Choice Show.

Also, coming up is our very own annual Garden Party, Sunday 8^th May, proudly celebrating 40 years of music at The Trinity. We have secured, Rattle, The EvilUsses, Lionpulse and much more...check out our ever expanding line up as the day draws closer. We are still welcoming volunteers and ideasfor workshops, activities and stalls, so please get in contact if you'd like to contribute.

With summer not so far away, Mayfest 2016 has announced its program. The Trinity will behosting "The Castle Builder", welcoming back Kid Carpet from our 2010 Garden Party and his collaborator VicLlewellyn. Also being performed is "Can I start Again Please", a riveting and humorous investigation into the power and failings oflanguage. Plenty more great stuff in there - check the full programme here.

Check out our what's on pages for more info as there just isn't enough space to fit it allhere!

Would you like to join the team? We are currently recruiting for a Caretaker. Find out more info here.

With over one-million young people aged from 16 to 24 in the UK not in education, employment or training (NEET) according to the Office for National Statistics, Trinity's creative learning courses have historically provided a vital route back into learning for disengaged young people.

Trinity has been a youth training provider since 2005 and courses have become increasingly popular - working with up to 60 young people in a year across various learning programmes, combining creative-arts activities with more formal learning and accreditations.

We feel it is important to ensure that we continue to provide musical educational opportunities to young people who may otherwise not engage with mainstream provision in the city, as explained by our Patron, Miriam Margolyes OBE, "These days, the Arts have to fight for their place in our society & I saw when I visited Trinity that it is not only committed to encouraging & fostering the Arts in Bristol, but also to ensure young people from diverse backgrounds experience all aspects of Art & enable them to realise their dreams."

Between 2012-2014, 98 young people took part in Trinity's Youth Music project, with over half of the young people (57%) coming from local wards and 40% from BME backgrounds. 28 young people were able to achieve a Rockschool accreditation.

In 2015 Trinity worked with 68 young people across our ESF funded provision, drop-ins, 121s and outreach sessions.

Changes to provision

Trinity previously worked as part of a consortium led by the City of Bristol College through their 'Faculty for Foundation Education' - a consortium recognised by the Beacon Award for Widening Participation in 2010. Unfortunately Trinity, alongside a number of other community-based learning providers, no longer be receives funding to deliver training courses due to changes in the College's own funding. Between 2013-2015 we worked with Weston College to deliver training with European Social Fund (ESF) support, however this contract has also come to an end.

In the interim, Trinity has been using small project grant funding to continue our youth delivery. We have been working with Colston Hall's Third Space group to deliver activities for young people as well as existing project activity including 121s with Include and YOT and outreach sessions with the Teenage Cancer Trust. We have also developed a successful series of exclusive to Trinity master classes / Q&A sessions with artists as diverse as Devin Townsend, Jack Garratt and Nitin Sawnhney, which we are keen to continue.

Emma Harvey, Centre Manager at Trinity said; “We're receiving calls from referral agencies, parents and young people about our course, so it's disappointing that, at present, we are unable to offer them places on the structured course of their choosing. It's a great shame – but, I suppose, our story is just one of a number of successful youth programmes that have now been placed into positions of uncertainty following ongoing cutbacks to grass-roots training provision.”

Trinity is committed to delivering a varied and comprehensive youth training programme as a key activity for the community and are currently seeking alternative funding to continue to offer this provision.

If you are interested in supporting The Trinity Youth Training Programme or to find out more visit our Just Giving page or text TYTP99 £[and the amount you would like to donate] to 70070

“Trinity is important for me because it keeps me off the streets and gives me the space and time I need to express myself through my music and lyrics. It has helped me build my confidence in areas I wasn't sure about before and has challenged me to try things I don't usually do. They also helped me get a work experience placement at a local radio station that enabled me to get my music heard. I first came to trinity at a very tough time in my life and feel without their help my life would be very different now". Student feedback, 2015

"The Castle Builder tells the true story of an inmate in a Norwegian psychiatric institute who over five years built a castle on a remote headland". Welcoming back Kid Carpet (who previously headlined the Trinity Garden Party back in 2010) and his collaborator Vic Llewellyn who "re-imagine these stories, telling them with live music, projection and heartfelt storytelling".

"Can I start Again Please investigates the power and failings of language – language that tells and hide truths – sparring across the heard and the unheard, the spoken and the unspoken.

The script is poetic and full of humour and is performed by Sue MacLaine and Nadia Nadarajah with a bright, coursing and relaxed reciprocity".

Both shows are taking place in the Trinity Centre's Fyfe Hall.

The wider programme includes some of Bristol's finest as well as national and international performers, including a few companies we have had the pleasure to work with over the last year such as Greg Wohead, (Come Back Special) Massive Owl (Castle Rock) and Still House's Of Rider and Running Horses. Plenty more great stuff in there - check the full programme here

In our commitment to delivering the very best sound in Bristol, Trinity is pleased to announce the installation of our new PA System, supplied and professionally installed by L'Acoustics and the Bristol based King Sound Reinforcement. This top of the range system is a favourite on sound specifications for national and international touring artists.

We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to access high-quality arts and culture in Bristol. Prior to the installation, expensive PA hire costs restricted the abilities of local groups and promoters from staging events at the centre. The installation means that we can make sure we're better able to support diverse arts in the city.

The project has been funded by Cory Environmental Trust Britain and The Foyle Foundation. We have also recently received an award from Garfield Weston Foundation to further expand our technical capabilities.

Events hosted so far have included French-Cuban musical duo Ibeyi performing in November and 'Aadhunik' - an evening of Bhangra organised by the Asian Arts Agency. We were proud to have been part of this year's BBC6 Music Festival in Bristol. Having a high-quality sound system has enabled us to take part in events of this nature.

This year, we are working on development of our in-house programme so that we can support other community organisations to deliver events that reach local communities and represent the Bristol Sound.

Images courtesy of Khali Photography

More about the system

Main Left/Right System - 6 KARAi Line Source Arrays aside Subs

Bellow Stage Subs - 8 SB18i Subwoofer Array

Contact: jamell@3ca.org.uk / 01179 351200 for more information.

Click here to view the full specification document.

"Word of mouth brought me to Trinity, I have been to many great gigs and club nights here over the years, but a friend suggested I might like volunteering here. Subsequently I found out there are a number of voluntary roles available.

Currently out of work, I have always loved volunteering as a way of keeping engaged, busy, maybe opening up new opportunities, and making new contacts.

I chose to work on reception because I have some previous experience in the role and wanted to update my computer skills, whilst also seeing how Trinity worked as an organisation.

As a volunteer on reception the tasks are varied: answering the phone and redirecting calls, taking messages, meeting and greeting visitors, office admin 'overflow', answering queries, and showing visitors around, to name a few.  There is, after a settling in period, a chance to take on other small projects.

So now, I feel that I have mastered the switchboard telephone, am getting a good grip on some of the admin systems and am using my customer service skills to a high standard; all very transferable skills for the jobs market.  I also now have a current reference for my job applications.

The team are all friendly and a host of creative and interesting people come and go throughout the day.  It is also heart-warming to meet members of the various community groups that use Trinity for regular meetings and events."

If you're inspired by the testimony of one of our volunteers and would like to get involved, why not join us as a volunteer receptionist? Click here to find out more.

The Trinity Centre is a much-loved historic Bristol landmark and Grade II* Listed building. A community arts centre and live music venue, we play host to a wide range of activities including dance classes, weddings, parties, public forums, music events and more.

We are seeking a Caretaker (permanent) & a Facilities Assistant (fixed-term) to join the Operations team.

Trinity is a small, friendly team with a family feel - we're looking for people who share our values and want to uphold our ethos.

If you have a positive attitude, a sense of enthusiasm, dedication and team spirit, then why not come and join us!

Arts West Side has continued to offer local groups and projects a home across 2015.

Our small but mighty satellite building was able to host a variety of projects and activities that included our now regular weekly writing group, the Art Cafe for over 50's, as well as Raw Food Workshops (part of our Bristol Green Capital project), small meetings and theatre rehearsals. Over 60 participants have been involved in AWS this year.

We have created new partnerships with local groups and maintained existing ones with organisations like University of West England (UWE), LinkAge and Sedated by a Brick.

Our women's writing group "We Can Write" secured a small grant from Literature Works, to continue their sessions and publish a compilation of their works and tutor Sarer Scotthorne was appointed our first Poet in Residence at Arts West Side.

We have also been able to continue to support the Bristol Somali Youth Network, in their aims and objectives, not only by providing a space to grow but also resources to strengthen their organisation. Their programmes have helped Somali young people re-orient their quality of lives and starting afresh to reposition their priorities in employment, training, education and social activities.

Our long term tenant, Phase 8 Photography, has been able to expanded their business and raise their profile by donating photography and collaborating with a number of community groups and projects, including the LGBT community; Trinity's Vice and Virtue: Discovering the Story of Old Market project and also providing free photography to new and local businesses in the area, including the Old Market Neighbourhood Planning Group.

We said good bye to The Good Roots Cafe in July and welcomed JJ's Cafe until the end of the year, when they moved their offer to Gloucester Road.

After a successful run of community cafe projects and due to the growth of this particular offer within the locality, we felt at the end of the year that a cafe space was no longer a priority in terms of achieving our objectives in 2016.

Trinity received many wonderful proposals at the beginning of the year but we were only able to select one: The Island submitted an innovative bid with a clear community engagement plan, which was close to Trinity's aim and objectives. Keep an eye on our website for the launch of SPACE (Sound-Performance-Art-Community-Engagement) in Spring 2016!

If you have an idea or project you would like to test out at Arts West Side, do get in touch with us, we would love to hear from you. Email karina@3ca.org.uk - or next time you are down Old Market, come in say hello!

The Community Garden is an independent branch of Trinity Community Arts, set up in 2014 in response to the need for an organisation that focuses on sustainability and nature based education. We aim to make organic horticulture, food and sustainable living skills and ideas available for the local people, regardless of age, gender, ability or education.

Last year, 2000 people visited the garden and 750 engaged in garden based projects, including community days, mental well-being, children’s holiday schemes, after school clubs, youth groups and events.

We would like to continue to create an organisation that is community-led and whose members, reflect the local community.

We are looking for people that have (not all required):

• A strong understanding and knowledge about permaculture principles, sustainability practice, eco-systems, plants and wildlife

• An understanding of the local community

• Experience in at least one of the following areas of our work:

- groups that may be marginalised from mainstream services, including refugees, young and older people

- long term unemployed and those who may face barriers to employment, i.e. mental health sufferers

• Finance/ accounts experience, including monitoring, accounting and reporting

• Fundraising & funding applications experience

• Integrity, diplomacy and openness in decision making and a flexible approach to working with those with differing backgrounds and experiences

Some of the Duties and Responsibilities are:

• Meet every other month with other management committee members to review the group’s activities to ensure they are aligned with the organisation’s aims as laid out in its governing document

• To ensure good financial management and that finances are being used only to achieve the organisation’s aims

• To promote Trinity Community Garden and develop its partnerships for the benefit of our communities.

We particularly welcome applications from:

• the BME community

• people who live/work locally

• well networked members of the community

How to Apply:

Please write a covering letter and send your CV to Lisa Tozer at: lisat@3ca.org.uk

by Friday 28th February

For legal reasons, all applicants must be aged 18 or over. The Trinity Community Garden is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, socio-economic class.

Introduction

This guide is designed to help you put on on a great night, avoid pitfalls and ensure you maximise profit for your chosen cause.

The Venue

Capacity - Trinity is a 650 capacity venue and a challenging space to fill, even for experienced promoters.

If you are a small group or individual and this is your first gig, we would suggest finding a smaller space free of charge such as a pub-room or bar, that you are able to pack out.

Costs - Trinity is a registered charity. Our live-music progamme provides a way of generating vital revenue to fund our own charitable activities.

Trinity receives frequent requests for free space for benefit gigs and unfortunately we are unable to offer the venue for free.

Regardless of how worthy the cause we are simply not able to cover the costs of raising funds for other charities at the expense of our own charity. However, each year, Trinity is able to subsidise costs associated with a limited number of benefit gigs, you can find our more about this scheme below.

Check out the Bookings area of our website for more info

Who

Team - Organising an event is not easy. Don't go it alone; put together a committee or core team of friends and volunteers that will take responsibility for key tasks.

Charity - if we host a benefit gig, we would like confirmation from your chosen charity that they are happy for the event to go ahead.

Artists - Trinity is committed to paying Artists fairly; where Artists have agreed to wave their fee, we require that the Organiser ensures that they have worked to find a fair alternative method of payment. Publicity for the Artist during the run up to the Event does NOT constitute fair payment.

Audience - research your chosen theme and music act/genre so you know where to place your marketing, how you will attract an audience and how to compete with other events happening at the same time.

Check out our Gig Hire FAQs for more info

When

Date – this sounds obvious but it’s important to check listings to see what else is on around that time. Bristol is a creative hive, so there will always be something else on. Try to avoid direct clashes with artists of the same genre, or booking an act if they have recently played somewhere in the city - especially if it was for a free or cheaper event than the one you’re planning to run.

Lead-in - You will want to promote your event with at least three-months lead-in time to get the word out and ensure you sell-out.

Six months is better and gives you time to downsize to a smaller venue or cancel the event if you haven’t sold enough tickets.

Budget

Budget - Agree a realistic budget when you start and stick to it. This should include: Artist Fees; Venue Hire; Technical Sound & Lighting; Promotions and Marketing; Expenses and Rider. Be realistic about what you will make for tickets and how you will cover costs if you only sell half your ticket allocation.

Pre-sales - Trinity is a destination venue, we do not benefit from a large passing trade and rarely get ‘walk-ups’. It’s important you pre-sell as many tickets as possible and we may suggest to pull the night if you haven’t sold at least 300 tickets.

Sponsorship - try to find a local or corporate sponsor or someone that may fund the up-front event costs. It will give you a bigger budget to work with which will help to get the word out and attract more people to the event.

Contingency - factor in a small contingency budget, but make sure you stick within your limits, as it will be you that ends up out of pocket.

Promotion

Presence - make sure you have a strong online and social media presence. Ensure everyone you know likes and shares your event info

Acknowledgement - in all your literature, make sure you clearly state what charity is being supported and also use Trinity's logo so people know where you're having the event.

Décor

Keep it simple – it's easy to get carried away, but bare in mind this element of your event isn't going to make you any more money and may end up costing you more in time and effort than is needed. Simple drapes and spotlighting goes a long way and won't break the bank.

Leave No Trace – we’re a listed building and have limits on where/how you can attach décor.

Check out our Terms & Conditions for more info

Remember

Competition - you have to make sure you put on a professional night that people want to come to. In Bristol, gig-goers are spoilt for choice as far as live music is concerned, which means making your night a success is all the more challenging.

So what? - the cause is not often enough to get people to part with their cash; you have to be offering people something they want to pay for. Think to yourself, would you pay the price you’re asking to see the act you’re programming?

Honesty - Do contact us any-time during the run up to your event to discuss your plans, questions or queries. Be honest with us about how it's going - we can help you to spread the word and give advice around any aspect of your event and/or rearrange the event if things aren't going according to plan.

Fundraiser Scheme

Each year, Trinity is able to subsidise costs associated with a limited number of benefit gigs, where the charitable cause supported, helps us to meet our own charitable objectives.

For more information, please download our Guidelines and complete an Application Form

Please note, applications must be received six-months before the proposed event date.

2015 was the year of Bristol Green Capital, a European award that celebrated our green city, inspiring us to be more green!

Trinity Community Arts got a year of funding from Bristol 2015 (Quartet) to run the "Grow it, Cook it, Eat it!" project. We wanted to get local residents of all ages excited about growing, cooking and enjoying healthy food together!

Our ideas were also supported by the Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighborhood Wellbeing Grant, to expand on our offer of sessions and activities exploring green themes under our "Garden to Tummy" project.

Our Project Coordinator Helen Winstanley, led on activities from March to December, involving 780 participants (including volunteers) from the local community, schools and target groups in a range of permaculture activities and events at The Trinity Centre, Garden and Arts West Side.

This year we finally had the capacity to explore city-wide partnerships and make the most of existing partnerships and links. We worked with residents from St Judes, SPAN (Single Parents Action Network) and early years, something we have not done before, and showed parents and teachers a green space for their children to play in and practical skills for all of them. Helen was also able to play an active part in the Bristol 2015 programme, attending events, training, carrying out meetings and networking with other partner groups, identifying opportunities for collaboration and joint delivery of activities.

Throughout the year, we explored green and seasonal themes suggested by you all, over 60 sessions including: Foraging Walks, Holiday Lunch Clubs, Stay & Play sessions, Cob Building, Spoon Carving, Willow Weaving, Chutney Making, Raw Food workshops as well as Monthly Community Days.

All of our sessions, as usual, were free but we welcomed small donations from participants, that helped us take our projects even further.

Trinity was also able to support the Community Garden group in their quest to fund, develop and deliver new gardening and skill based weekly sessions for all ages and abilities, funded by Awards for All and The People's Health Trust. We also enable the Wild Walks for Well-being group to grow in numbers and activities.

It's also worth mentioning that May saw our busiest Garden Party ever!

We finished our growing season with a Harvest Celebration in November, were 250 participants from all our projects, their families and friends joined a range of activities in our Garden, from foraging walk to apple pressing and pizza making in our new cob oven.

Thank you all for taking part in our Garden projects and events this year! We will continue sharing learning opportunities, projects and ideas with you to help us create a happier, more sustainable living in Bristol in 2016. Watch this space!

Do you programme your own gigs? Trinity is a 650 capacity venue and most music events are currently organised by promoters or individuals who hire the venue and run their own gigs/clubs. We programme a number of live music events including Garden Party and Fireworks. We also programme theatre and performance as part of the IGNiTE project.

How do I get a gig at Trinity? Much of Trinity’s live music programme is organised by regional and national promoters. If you would like to perform as a support act, please email to info@3ca.org.uk with the gig you’re interested in and a link to your music and we can forward onto the relevant promoter.

Do you give the venue for free for benefit gigs/fundraisers? Trinity is a registered charity and our live-music progamme provides a way of us generating vital revenue to fund our charitable activities. We cannot provide free use of Trinity for benefit gigs as there are associated costs that have to be covered (security, staff, technical costs). See Benefit Gigs: Tips for more info.

Can we have the bar revenue? Trinity receives limited public funding and we use our bar revenue to subsidise our own charitable activities, as well as paying for the running costs and ongoing repair of the Trinity Centre. For live-music events, including fundraisers, Trinity retains all bar revenue and you, the promoter, retain all door revenue - this is the incentive to sell as many tickets as possible in order to ensure your event is a success.

I know someone who's SIA - can we use them for security? We want to ensure that our venue is safe and that our licensing conditions are upheld. We have a regular security team who we use who know the venue and help us to deliver safe events. If you would like to discuss security arrangements further, please contact your bookings administrator.

Can we sell food? We can allow sale of food as part of live events and have a small kitchen, suitable for reheating of food. Food providers have to hold appropriate certificates and insurance and present evidence of how food is prepared and stored. If you would like to sell food as part of your event please discuss this in advance with your bookings administrator. Please be advised, use of kitchen may incur an additional cleaning deposit.

Can we use the garden and/or upstairs hall, as well as the main hall? Our upstairs and outdoor spaces have stricter curfews. Use of outdoor/upstairs spaces may incur additional costs for security, staffing and licensing and may not necessarily increase the capacity of your event significantly. Please discuss with your requirements with your bookings administrator.

Can we have fire-breathers? Pyrotechnics are not permitted within the internal spaces. We have a limited number of days per year during which we can host events externally and any use of flammables must be adequately insured and risk assessed. Be sure to discuss with your bookings administrator any fire-display ideas you have well in advance so that we can ensure your event runs smoothly.

Can you reduce the rates for a smaller capacity event? There are standard costs which are incurred including a minimum number of security and staff. Therefore there is limited room for reducing fees from our standard rates. If you feel you require a smaller capacity, it might be worth approaching a smaller venue who will be able to work with you to stage the event you want.

Can we use our own tech and equipment? Any equipment you bring into the venue must be appropriately PAT tested. In order to ensure high quality of sound we stress that promoters use our in-house L'Acoustics PA and work with one of our preferred suppliers for other equipment and engineer requirements. If you wish to go it alone, your bookings administrator will need to know who's running the tech side of things, so that we can ensure your event is delivered to a high standard. Check out our Tech Spec for more info.

Can you help us promote the event? We list all events on our website and social media, as well as listing in our quarterly listings brochure. We also display and distribute posters and flyers, please speak to your bookings administrator about any help you need with this. The more lead-in time your event has, the wider we can push the event.

What is the venue's position on 'legal highs'? 'Legal highs' - along with other illegal substances - are not permitted by law at the Trinity Centre. The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 states that it is an offence to produce, supply, offer to supply, possess with intent to supply, import or export psychoactive substances (aka 'legal highs', for example, Nitrous Oxide).

How do I hold a date? If you're looking to hold a few dates while you wait to confirm artists, we are able to do this as long as there is adequate lead-in time. If you've pencilled a date and someone challenges this, we will get back to as soon as we receive the challenge. You will have 48hrs in order to confirm the date; we will usually require a 50% deposit to secure a date, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Image courtesy of Nathan Hicks

Trinity Community Arts (TCA) has been awarded funding from Heritage Lottery Fund for the Trinity Centre Conservation Project.

Funding for an initial development phase will enable the centre to carry out surveys of the Grade II* listed building, in order to come up with a plan for repair works in 2017. Works will focus on repairs to the north aisle and slate roof, original stained glass window and stonework.

Over the last few years, there has been much investment to improve the Trinity Centre's facilities. With a footfall of over 50,000 each year, the planned repair works will help to ensure the community arts centre can continue long into the future.

Emma Harvey, Centre Manager of Trinity said; “Thanks previous support from English Heritage and the Big Lottery Fund, The Trinity Centre was removed English Heritage At Risk Register in 2014. However, with an old building like this, there is still much work to be done to repair the building. This support from Heritage Lottery Fund will help to ensure the community can continue to enjoy the space for decades to come."

The project will compliment previous capital repair and redevelopment works and will be the final major-works phase relating to the repair and conservation of the historic fabric. The capital works programme will be complimented by a range of heritage learning activities, including training in traditional heritage trades.

Alongside funding from Heritage Lottery Fund, the project development phase has also been supported by the Ashley, Easton, Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood Partnership and the Quartet Community Foundation, with other supporters including Bristol's Rotary Club and Burgess Salmon.

Over the next year, the Trinity team will be working to raise the total funds needed to carry out the repair works and there will also be a number of job opportunities relating to the project. If you are interested in showing your support for the project or would like to know more visit: www.3ca.org.uk/activities/renovation for more information.

About Trinity's heritage

The Trinity Centre, Bristol, has been a diverse hub of community arts activities since its de-consecration as a place of worship in 1976. The building has been a prominent music venue for 50 years and has played host to a spectacular role-call of acts, becoming an important landmark in the globally exported 'Bristol Sound'.

Built between 1829-1832, the 'Waterloo Church' is considered to be one of the finest examples of the work of architects Thomas Rickman and Henry Hutchinson. Trinity is an important Grade II* listed building, which retains significant townscape value in the context of Old Market Conservation Area, defined as "an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance."

Trinity's 41 stained-glass windows are one of the most striking but neglected features of the building. Built in an English Gothic Revival style, most of the mullioned windows and clerestory feature non-pictorial stained glass and have a Geometric Patten style using simple shapes. The building features a pictorial stained-glass panel in one of the South-East façade windows, with classical figures set against a background of vibrant colours, flanked by diaper quarries and foliage.

Trinity is situated within one of the most culturally diverse and economically deprived areas of the South West. Race, migration and the changing demographic of the surrounding area have played an important role in the history of the building. Over the years, the building has been managed by different community groups, who have all had a role to play in making the centre what it is today.

The Trinity Centre Conservation Project will help to explore some of this history and provide opportunities for people to share their stories and experiences, as well as learn about traditional heritage trades. Visit our Archive for more information.

Image by Jane Porter, BCC

BBC 6 Music presenters Steve Lamacq and Mary Anne Hobbs broadcast live from the Watershed last night, announcing that Bristol is to host BBC6 Music Festival 2016. There will be a spectacular line-up of acts gracing the city, including Bristol based legends Roni Size and Tricky, as well as Primal Scream performing as part of the launch of their new album Chaosmosis.

Hobbs said; “The 6 Music Festival is such a special event because it brings all the elements of what we do as a digital radio station into a physical space: the artists, the whole of the station’s staff and presenters, and of course our wonderful listeners.”

She went on to state that “this year, the festival is coming to Bristol, a place where music is such a primary element of the DNA of the city. It’s going to be a truly unforgettable experience.”

The festival will take place between 12–14 February, across venues including Motion, Colston Hall, O2 Academy Bristol, Basement 45 and the Trinity Centre.

Blue Aeroplanes and Geoff Barrow (Portishead)'s band Beak will also be among the performers, with full line up to be announced on 19 January. Check out the BBC6 website for more information.

Last month, the centre picked up a special judges panel award from the M&S Energy fund, to cover the cost of the installation, with match funding support from the Naturesave Trust.

Installation work was carried out by local firm Clawtech Electrical. The project marks a success for the city of Bristol during its Green Capital year.

Energy savings from the installation will help support ongoing maintenance costs of the much-loved, grade II* listed, community arts centre and ensure that Trinity can continue to provide free hall space to other community projects.

Feeding back about the award to Trinity, the M&S Energy Community Energy Fund Team said; “We thought that this project was most in keeping with M&S’s core business values - integrity, innovation, inspiration, and in touch with the community. We were all very impressed with the level of community engagement [the] project has demonstrated and look forward to seeing the impact of our funding.”

St Werburghs City Farm was also among the winners of the awards. It received funding towards installing 15 solar panels to their new education centre 'The Connection Centre Solar Systems Project, which will educate children and young people about green energy.

M&S Energy Community Energy Fund
The M&S Energy Community Energy Fund has been established to enable more communities in the UK to generate renewable energy and become environmentally and financially sustainable. During September 2015 a public vote took place to decide which community groups across the country would win a share of the £400,000 funding available. There are plans to run a similar funding programme in 2016.

The Trinity Centre Conservation Project

The Trinity Centre Conservation Project will compliment previous repair and redevelopment works, helping to protect the building's fabric into the future. Trinity are campaigning to raise funds to carry out a final programme of works between 2015-2017.

Installing Solar PV panels on our community centre are a key part of this programme, to help the building become more sustainable and allow Trinity to continue to provide free and subsidised hall space for community activity.

This is the final major-works phase relating to the repair and conservation of the historic fabric. Capital works with be framed by an activities programme of workshops and events, including training in traditional heritage trades.

Photos by Jessica Bartolini

The Trinity Community Garden (TCG) has opened 2 new positions, each on different days so one could apply for both if one wishes!

Working in partnership with our Garden Co-ordinator and led by the direction of TCG Management Committee, you will plan, deliver and evaluate a varied programme that will draw in local people from all different backgrounds.

Both roles are freelance contracts for 6 months, fixed-term, from April to November 2016 - 7hrs a day for 1 day a week. Salary £10 p/hr.

1) Community Project Co-ordinator
2) Therapeutic Gardening Co-ordinator

Essential criteria for both posts:

• A strong understanding and knowledge about permaculture principles, sustainability practice, eco-systems, plants and wildlife

• At least 2yrs experience of working within community projects and vulnerable people

• Experience delivering outdoor cooking sessions with garden produce

• Knowledge of herbs and their benefits; food nutrition and healthy eating; organic food growing

• Proven ability to plan and co-ordinate a project

Desirable criteria for both posts:

• Experience working in a community/voluntary organisation

• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds

• First Aid and Basic Food Hygiene qualifications

• Marketing Skills

Please note a DBS (formerly CRB) check will be required.

For more information, including role specifications and application form contact, Charlie Hanson:

T: 07787520837 / E: itsasigncharlie@gmail.com

Closing date for applications Monday 21 Dec, 7pm.

Interviews will take place on the 11 and 12 January 2016.

The Trinity training department was pleased to arrange an incredible opportunity for young people from the local area to observe legendary producer, composer, DJ and multi instrumentalist Nitin Sawhney sound check just hours before his much anticipated packed out show here at Trinity Centre.

Backed by a full 8 piece band, including three vocalists, flutes, tablas, guitar, bass and drums. Nitin kindly allowed the students access to the technical process providing a rare glimpse into the intricacies involved with the professional music industry practice of sound checking for a high profile show.

Nitin Sawhney is one of the most distinctive and versatile musical voices around today. Firmly established as a world-class producer, songwriter, DJ, multi-instrumentalist, orchestral composer and cultural pioneer, Sawhney has become a latter-day Renaissance man in the worlds of music, film, videogames, dance and theatre.Sawhney’s output as a musician is highly prolific.

He has scored for and performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras, and collaborated with and written for the likes of Paul McCartney, Sting, The London Symphony Orchestra, A.R. Rahman, Brian Eno, Sinead O’Connor, Anoushka Shankar, Jeff Beck, Shakira, Will Young, Joss Stone, Taio Cruz, Ellie Goulding, Horace Andy, Cirque Du Soleil, Akram Khan, Deepa Mehta, Mira Nair, Nelson Mandela and John Hurt. Performing extensively around the world, he has achieved an international reputation across every possible creative medium.

Nitin was also kind enough to have a chat with our students afterwards to discuss his experiences and share insights into the music industry. Everyone at Trinity would like to express our sincerest thanks and gratitude to Nitin, his band, crew and management for making this opportunity possible.

Eek, where does the time fly – lots of exciting stuff to tell you all about coming up

This week we have a mega weekend including Ausform Micro-fest (pictured above) featuring drag queen regulars from the London cabaret circuit, Maxi More and IMMA / MESS. Later the same night we open up for the DEEP Medi Weekender, two nights of sounds system culture and music curated in partnership with Teachings in Dub.

After that we come crashing in to December with a packed Friday night featuring Massive Owl Theatre's new show Castle Rock, a distortion of the film, Stand By Me and Bump's Christmas Special; expect all the usual fun just a few more crazy costumes and probably some pretty terrible/amazing festive tunes.

Saturday 5, The Fantasy Orchestra return this year bringing us their very special David Bowie Party, encouraging you to come dressed as your favourite Bowie personality and for those musically inclined they'll be starting the proceedings with a 'David Bowie Berlin period' open mic session!

There is also still time to bag yourself a ticket for an evening with Miriam Margolyes. All proceeds from this night will go to support our youth training programme so excellent entertainment and a good deed all rolled into one.

Later in the month we still have Netsky, Aadhunik, the return of Twinkle Brothers and the City Rockas Festive Link Up to come, presenting plenty of opportunities to get dressed up and strut your stuff before we reach the big NYE Party to end the year on.