Newtown street party in Aug 2021

Newtown is one of Trinity's closest neighbours, tucked between the Bristol – Bath Cycle Path and Clarence Road.  Many of the families in Newtown have lived there for several generations, creating a strong feeling of community and belonging. Newtown Network is a local grassroots community organisation that is working to improve the quality of life for residents and “putting Newtown on the map!”.

“Newtown Network connects the dots that wasn’t there before. I’m excited for the developments and regeneration that are going to happen in Newtown” Deborah Benjamin, Newtown Network

Deborah Benjamin, Newtown resident and chair of the Newtown Network, sees the role of the organisation to “address frustrations felt by residents who continue to feel disconnected from the investment that many other areas of Bristol have experienced, which they feel has led to high rates of crime and anti-social behaviour, leaving many residents feeling isolated.”

The Network are using creativity as a catalyst for change, delivering community projects, activities and events so that community members can feel heard, connected and empowered to influence their own future.

Newtown Network are valued members of Trinity and as part of our ongoing commitment to support grassroots organisations we have been working with them to offer support for the delivery and planning of their events

In August 2021 Trinity joined forces with Newtown Network to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Newtown with an (excellent) street party, steered by Newtown Network chair Deborah Benjamin and supported by artists Amy Rose and Jess Meadows from Mobile Urban Community Collaborations (MUCC). Over 75 residents came along, taking part in creative workshops, live performances as well as information stands from local organisations including the Salvation Army, Trinity Tabernacle Church, Lawrence Hill Health Centre and youth centre Baggator.

In October 2021 Newtown Network hosted the ‘Unsung Heroes – Give Thankz Celebration’ at Trinity. This event celebrated the local heroes who have contributed to their local communities. Guest speakers at the event included local poet Zed Regal and Joy Gardiner-Johnson who gave a presentation on the ‘Art of Headwraps’ and how they appear in different cultures.

Since November 2021, the Newtown Network have been collaborating with Trinity’s Resident Artist, Michelle Roche, to deliver the ‘Newtown Wishlist’ a series of creative happenings in Newtown in 2021/2022.  Residents who would like to take part in the project can meet Michelle for a cup of tea (and cake) at Rosevear House on Wednesdays 10 am – 12 pm.

If you would like to get involved or keep up-to-date with events and activities happening in Newtown get in touch with Deborah Benjamin (Newtown Network) newtownlive20@outlook.com or sign up to Trinity’s Community newsletter.

• regular hot meals

• a warm welcome and good company

• wellbeing, health and social activities

• emotional, mental health and medical support

Click here to read the COVID update from Caring in Bristol

About Caring In Bristol

Caring in Bristol’s vision is to create a city empowered to solve homelessness.

They work in imaginative and creative ways with people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, and within local communities to bring about sustainable and permanent change in Bristol and beyond.

This year will see the return of their day centre at The Trinity Centre, providing breakfast and lunch from some of Bristol’s top chefs, entertainment, support and advice services.

We’re constantly monitoring the Covid situation in Bristol. The safety of our guests and volunteers is at the forefront of all our planning and so some elements may be subject to change.

Trinity features in a film created by Bristol City Council, showcasing organisations in the city who are certified Real Living Wage Employers.

The film features Trinity team members Rhiannon Jones (Programme Director) and Jamell Ackford (Venue Manager) alongside Ben Openshaw and Harry Lewis who are both employed on a six-month internship as part of the DWP's Kickstart Scheme.

"Paying the Real Living Wage means we can support our workforce who, if we retain and nurture, will become future cultural decision-makers." Emma Harvey, CEO, Trinity Community Arts

Trinity became a Real Living Wage Employer in 2020, providing employees a fair, entry-level wage, calculated independently based on living costs.

Trinity believes that the best workforce is a diverse workforce and that by paying people a fair wage the opportunity to choose a career in the cultural sector is not limited to those who can afford to take on low paid internships.

Trinity joins over 65 Bristol employers, including Quirky Campers and Hargreaves Lansdown, as a certified Real Living Wage organisation, contributing to the nearly 2,500 employees who have seen an increase in their wages relevant to their day-to-day living costs. Find out more about Bristol City Council's commitment to becoming a Real Living Wage City here.

Forest school workshops with local schools and artist Alice Cunningham

The Bird Bath is carved in Ancaster Weatherbed stone by artist Alice Cunningham

Trinity commissioned Bristol artist Alice Cunningham to create a bird bath sculpture as part of the recent improvements to the community garden.

"I liked exploring the garden and being able to build up trust with my team because before we started I did not have trust in them" Baraka, workshop participant, St Nicholas of Tolentine primary school.

Carved in Ancaster Weatherbed stone, the bird bath is in memory to Bunty Bax, following a legacy donation by her daughter Amelia. Amelia’s legacy gift donation contributed towards creating an accessible outdoor space including new pathways, raised planters and a sensory nature trail.

As part of the making of the bird bath, Bristol-based sculptor, Alice, also delivered workshops with 12 local children from Hannah More and St Nicholas of Tolentine Primary Schools who attend Forest School sessions at Trinity. The children explored different types of homes and nests in nature and then used clay to create their own sculptures.

We are really grateful to be able to complete this round of improvements to the garden creating an accessible inner-city garden for all to enjoy. The improvements have been funded by Power to Change, match funders and Amelia’s legacy gift donation.

Local children took part in What I Want To Be, What I Want to See in April 2021

In 2021 we asked the people of Bristol to tell us their hopes and dreams for the future as part of our ambitious community arts project, What I Want To Be, What I Want To See.

Trinity collected over 70 responses that ranged from a community mural, celebrating heroes, a daily protest, listening posts of voices we should listen to - young & old, a playlist for Newtown, a silent disco, a place for tea and cake, a zine to remind us ‘how to be nice’ and a day of art and dolphins.

In Autumn 2021 we sent an open call for an artist, collective or company to creatively respond to these. The successful project The Wish List by artist Michelle Roche was selected by Trinity’s programming forum. The forum, are made up of local residents, Trinity Members and regular groups and classes, chose Michelle’s project as it connected with the local community in a fun and playful way.

Working with grassroots organisation, Newtown Network, The Wish List will make the hopes and dreams, collected during the call out, a reality by co-creating creative happenings with local communities this December and January.

Newtown Coffee Mornings Throughout December local residents joined artist Michelle Roche for a cup of tea coffee and cake and creative activities.

Catch sight of The Newtown Dolphin Parade

In January keep an eye out through the curtains and look for the Dolphin Lantern parade that will take place in the streets on Newtown.

Get involved:

If you would like some further information on the project contact Stefan Boakye on stefan@trinitybristol.org.uk

“As we have struggled with funding...The doors of the Trinity Centre have always been open to us.”

Simi Chowdhry, Director, Awaz Utaoh

Awaz Utaoh weekly women's group at Trinity

In memory of life and work of community leader Simi Chowdhry, who sadly passed in November 2021, we look back on the work of our charity partner Awaz Utaoh, who ran a weekly Asian women's support group at Trinity for over a decade...

Awaz Utaoh means 'raise your voice' - founded in 1998, the charity sought to engage women from across Bristol's South Asian community of any religion.Each Wednesday until 2019, Trinity's Main Hall was filled with music, dancing, food and fun, thanks to Awaz Utaoh's weekly well-being and empowerment workshops and activities for Asian women of all faiths and backgrounds.

From Zuumba to gardening, language classes to safety courses, the group provided vital support for South Asian women to improve their health and well-being.

The group was supported via Trinity's Community Kickstart scheme until the retirement of Simi, the charity's founder, who sadly passed away in November 2021.

Check the line up below

• Eksman
• Logan D
• Trigga
• Nicky Black Market
• Ego Trippin
• Fearless
• Funsta
• Shaydee
• Pleasure
• Gumster
• Basher
• Kombo
• Tempa
• Kenco
• D-Raw
• Mc Scooby

Please read our COVID-19 Safety Policy for information on attending events during this time. Please note, Covid pass and/or proof a negative PCR/lateral flow test is required for entry.

We are very excited to welcome them to Trinity for the first time for a huge party.

Kicking things off in Bristol, this time taking over The Trinity Centre. 'A legendary venue we once dreamed of throwing a rave in'

Line up:

• Dr Dubplate
• Ifeoluwa
• Sicaria Sound b2b Kahn & Need
• Tasha (Jungle Set)

Please read our COVID-19 Safety Policy for information on attending events during this time.

Please note, Covid pass and/or proof a negative PCR/lateral flow test is required for entry.

Mercurial indie-pop artist, Nilüfer Yanya quickly established herself as a singular artist with a distinctive voice. Yanya’s early EPs explored her fascination with 90’s alt-rock melodies and her debut album, Miss Universe, allowed her to open up corners of her eclectic world, bringing in jazz-inflected guitar licks and grunge indebted songs, backed up by limber drum beats and noughties leaning synth.

Yanya’s latest record, Painless, revolves around melancholy harmonies and looped industrial beats. With added influences from indie and drum and bass culture, the raw, distorted guitar riffs, and hip-hop indebted percussion build the bones of each song, while Yanya’s mercurial voice veers from deadpan speak-singing to a sublime, wandering falsetto.

Tickets on sale: 03 Dec, 10am

Please note, this is a standing show

Please read our COVID-19 Safety Policy for information on attending events during this time.

South West Wrestling pride themselves on infusing ideas from both traditional era’s of Wrestling and bringing in the fresh and new ideas of today.

• Doors 6pm
• Show starts 7pm

please note: Strobe lighting will be used throughout the show

Please read our COVID-19 Safety Policy for information on attending events during this time. Please note, proof a negative PCR/lateral flow test is required for entry.

She is an intentional dark horse, not defined by any label, whose performances are a creative avenue, used to explore her own characteristics.

Please note, this is a standing show

Please read our COVID-19 Safety Policy for information on attending events during this time.

In addition to owning his independent record label, Suitcase Town Music, Isakov also manages a small farm in Boulder County, which provides produce to the farm’s CSA members and to local restaurants. Isakov has performed with several national symphony orchestras across the United States and tours internationally with his band.

Please note, this is a standing show

Please read our COVID-19 Safety Policy for information on attending events during this time.

Lowkey, Photo Khali Ackford

Leading UK hip-hop artist, Lowkey is renowned for using spoken word and music as a form of activism and amplification. He was at Trinity to share the story of his journey as an activist/artist as part of Art of Resistance, a two-year Heritage Lottery project exploring creative acts of resistance.

Before the event, Lowkey kindly joined students from Trinity’s music making project, Making Tracks, to chat about how he entered into his musical making career, the challenges he has faced, and some top-tips for the emerging musicians.

“I found this advice really helpful and I've since tried to begin putting some of it into action. Lowkey also spent some time talking about how to stay motivated and keep up a consistent creative output, and how important consistency over time can be to develop a career in any creative industry.” Feedback from Jo Joyce-Venables, who is currently on a six-month placement at Trinity, as part of the Kickstarter scheme.

Lowkey shared some helpful advice on self-promoting, sharing his own story of how to use different methods of finding audiences online and keeping them engaged, using the technology and resources that are available today. Many students, including Jasper, found his tips on using Patreon and other online platforms useful, commenting "It was really good that Lowkey gave us a few insider tips such as using Patreon."

We are really grateful to Lowkey for taking the time to chat with students. Connecting emerging musicians directly to professionals is an important part of young people’s journey on Making Tracks. Lowkey joins the likes of Benjamin Zephaniah and Dev (Idles) who have all offered their support to the project and the young people’s journey.

Making Tracks

Making Tracks is supported by Youth Music and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, as well as support from match funders Youth Sector Support Fund.

Like Mercury rehearsal 2021 photo credit Khali Ackford

Trinity has been awarded £163k through the third round of the Cultural Recovery Fund, meaning that Trinity can continue to #behereforculture.

"We are really pleased to have the continued support of the Cultural Recovery Fund, the funding enables us to keep on reaching communities through culture and create a robust platform for which Trinity can thrive, now and in the future" Mijanou Blech, Chair of Trustees, Trinity Community Arts

Since April 2021, with the support of CRF round two, Trinity has employed/paid over 230 artists and freelance event staff. This third successful round of funding will enable Trinity to continue this commitment to the cultural workforce and the creative sector.

Alongside this, the grant will enable Trinity to continue to adapt the business in response to COVID19 and implement the long-term changes to the organisation to have a viable business model post-pandemic. The support from the Cultural Recovery fund will bridge a vital gap in income generation while revenue streams such as the Pay & Display Car Park, community and private hire, continue to recover from the impact of COVID-19.

The grant will be allocated to cover Trinity’s core costs (November 2021 – January 2022), including staffing and the maintenance of the Trinity Centre, a Grade II* Listed building, plus external fees including artist and partner commissioning develop a viable and sustainable programme for 2022 onward.

We were thrilled to hear we have received funding thanks to the government’s #CultureRecoveryFund so that we can continue to be here for you and #HereForCulture

About the Cultural Recovery Fund

Here for Culture is a movement that unites the public, government and cultural organisations in support of our fantastic cinemas, theatres, music venues, museums, galleries and heritage. Whether on the global stage or quietly in our own lives, culture inspires, uplifts, comforts and entertains us. In these challenging times, it’s our turn to continue to provide a lifeline and show our support. Everybody should have the opportunity to access a wide-range of high-quality cultural experiences, which is why it is so important that we support arts and cultural venues, cinemas and heritage sites in local communities to survive and thrive.

It creates a space for BIPOC artists to collaborate and create works that explore intersectional social issues (race, gender, class, and ethnicity) that exist within their communities and those of their peers.

Haramacy is comprised of an online residency program and an evening of multi arts performances hosted at the Trinity Centre in Bristol; bringing together sound, light, visual, dance, words, and more to celebrate outsider narratives.

The title Haramacy, is an amalgamation of the Arabic word ‘haram’, meaning indecent or forbidden, and the English word ‘pharmacy’, implying a safe, trustworthy space that prescribes the antidote to ailments caused by intersectional, social issues.

Now in its 3rd edition, Haramacy is presented by COMMUN in London, Bristol, and Birmingham to advocate for higher BIPOC participation in the Arts.

Click here to watch a short film about the 1st Haramacy program hosted in London:

Participating artists include:

• Anika Deb
• Ayan Cilmi
• Deepraj Singh
• Qezz Gill
• Shagufta K Iqbal
• Yaz

About COMMUN

COMMUN is a combined arts organisation with a focus on community building for emerging and mid-career Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) artists. Through projects, events, and digital media, COMMUN creates opportunities for BIPOC artists to collaborate and create works to achieve a greater understanding for ‘othered’ people in our society. Follow Haramacy on Instagram. Engage with COMMUN online.

Funded by Arts Council England Foyle Foundation COMMUN

Please read our COVID-19 Safety Policy for information on attending events during this time.