Trinity has been awarded £45k from Architectural Heritage Fund to carry out an updated feasibility study as part of ongoing phased renovation and conservation works. This grant will cover associated specialist professional fees to adapt capital works plans in light of the impact of COVID19 on trading activity.

Trinity will commission a professional team of architects and specialists to update their 2012 study. This will be informed by the impact of the pandemic on the charity’s stakeholders and the music sector, which has traditionally generated revenue for the centre to subsidise a broad community programme.

Trinity will undertake an in-depth community consultation process so that the revised options appraisal can be informed by all relevant stakeholders, including local residents, artists and promoters, as well as heritage specialists.

The final feasibility study will lead to further redevelopment of the Trinity Centre so that it can continue to be a secure environment for a diverse range of cultural activities and events, which communities will need more than ever post-pandemic.

Matthew Mckeague, CEO, Architectural Heritage Fund, said:

“The COVID-19 crisis has brought unparalleled uncertainty to the heritage sector, with organisations that rely on visitor income or community group usage shuttered for most of the past year. However, these grants will support organisations in becoming more resilient as they emerge from the crisis.

“For forty-five years, the Architectural Heritage Fund has been committed to supporting communities to develop sustainable new uses for their much-loved historic buildings. We are pleased to have been able to offer this additional support at a time of extraordinary need and are very grateful to DCMS for funding these vital grants.”

If you are interested in being involved in stakeholder consultation, please sign up to our mailing list to be kept informed about the programme.

#HereForCulture

Trans Pride, Bristol. Photo by Tara Klein

Photo by Daniel Durrans

Photo by Colin Moody

Vonalina Cake Photography

UK Black Pride

February is LGBTQ+ History Month - an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community in Bristol and further afield.

Since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967, the LGBTQ community in Bristol has grown in visibility.

The discreet clubs such as the Radnor Bristol have been superseded by the bright declamatory colours of clubs and bars in Old Market and Park Street.

Perhaps the most significant event it the Bristol's calendar after Harbour Festival is Bristol Pride, one of Bristol’s the city's largest free/donation only festivals attracting 40,000 people to their event on the Downs in 2019.

Behind this visibility is a long history of struggle by the gay community.

Coming out continues to carry the risk of social ostracism if not violence. Introduced under a Thatcher Government in 1988, Clause 28 prohibited the teaching of gay materials in schools. Though we have come a long way since this point, current RSE guidelines still allow parents to withdraw their children from lessons where gay friendly teaching materials are introduced into the learning environment. Religious and political extremists of various persuasions continue to target anti-LGBTQ communities.

Section 28 was taken off the statute books in 2003 but the battle for gay rights and for acceptance continues. Visibility remains revolutionary.

What it means to be gay has also evolved since decriminalisation and this evolution has been about the internal journey of the community itself. In use since the late 80s-90s, the term LGBT began to replace the term 'gay' in reference to the broader community. Since this time, lesbian, gay and bisexual Bristolians have been working to find their common cause among diversity of needs and interests, with the inclusion of a spectrum of trans identities becoming more visible as part of recent movements.

Questioning gender identities has led to the growth of non-binary identification awareness. Formed in 2017, Kiki Bristol has expressed the voice of Bristol’s Queer People of Colour QTIPOC. Kiki is now an essential part of the Bristol landscape.

The LGBTQ community have opened a space in which sexuality and sexual identity can now be contested, where suppression and conformity is no longer inevitable and exploration in its myriad forms is the new normal.

Situated in the heart of Old Market, Trinity has been a proud supporter of it’s LGBTQ artists, and the wider community. It shall forever be thus.

As part of our Art of Resistance project, we present the series of photographs above, highlighting moments of protest, celebration and creativity.

Happy LGBTQ History Month.

By Edson Burton, Heritage Curator, Feb 2021

If you have a story of protest, image or artifact you would like to share, please check out our call for content.

Click here for more info about the Art of Resistance Project.

#Resist

In Lockdown in early 2020 we teamed up with some of the most exciting names in Bristol's music scene, from St Paul's Carnival to Mini Rig to Nozstock Festival, to bring online audiences live streams.

In October 2020, our socially-distanced Trinity Presents: Garden Sessions where the first opportunity to welcome audiences back to Trinity to enjoy live music, in person.

“I’ve always known how much I value shared human connection on a dance floor but since March I’ve been trying to get this in other ways, dancing on zoom with friends, dancing to my mini rig with 5 friends in a wood. But tonight I experienced again the incredible wonder of the talented DJs of @bootybass playing tunes and responding to a crowd, feeling my insides vibrate with bass, glancing up and smiling at a stranger as you connect, arms in the air in synchronicity and I cried a little tear of joy. This is the stuff of life, creative shared human experience. My heart is full. Thank you the Trinity Centre creating such a beautiful safe space.” Feedback from audience member Oct 2020

We put together an exciting series of events in a special, Covid-secure outdoor area in Trinity's historic grounds.

We teamed up with some of our favourite artists & Soundsystems for 9 full days sell-out live music & DJ's : Waldo's Gift, Hodge & Danielle, Dubkasm, Ashanti Selah, Young Echo, Sinai Soundsystem, Booty Bass, Bandulu, Sofa Sound, Afrobeat Fridays.

People commented that the space felt magical and like something special that you discover in a hidden corner of a festival.

We're very much looking forward to be able to present our postponed November line-up as soon as lockdown restrictions ease. Keep an eye on our website and social media info and announcements.

#TrinityPresents

#HereforCulture

Trinity was exited to welcome IDLES band to the Centre in January 2021, as part of a socially-distanced film for their single Carcinogenic.

"Venues are at greatest risk because they are mostly small businesses, not interested in profit or investors but in the nourishment of creative, open-minded, critical thinking."

Mark Bowen, IDLES

(NME, Jan 21)

Each band member performs in some of Bristol's most loved grassroots music venues, including The Louisiana, Exchange, The Mother’s Ruin, The Old Duke, and of course The Trinity Centre.

The film was in support of Independent Venues Week that, with support from Music Venues Trust, have been working to raise the profile of grassroots music venues impacted by lockdown restrictions.

Speaking to NME about Independent Venue Week, guitarist Mark Bowen said: “Now more than ever independent musicians and the music industry at large need to unite to keep from being decimated. Between the pandemic and a government who not only don’t care about the future of the arts (especially independence within the arts) but take a pro-active role in its diminishment, independent venues are at greatest risk because they are mostly small businesses, not interested in profit or investors but in the nourishment of creative, open-minded, critical thinking.”

Click here to read the full article in NME.

Image Colin Moody

Art of Resistance is a 2-year project exploring 100 years of social activism, protest, and civil disobedience in Bristol, and the art that underpinned each movement.

We're looking for people who have artifacts or stories they would like to share to help build this picture of Bristol as a city of art and activism.

Whether your #resist story or art relates to Workers Rights, Women’s Equality, Anti-Racism, Anti-Fascism - or something else we haven't thought of - we'd love to hear from you.

In particular, we're really interested if any artwork, including poetry, textiles, posters, banners and ephemera, music and performing arts that were used to support and capture the spirit of different movements throughout the ages.

#GetInvolved

If you have digital material you can upload it here: Art Of Resistance Submission form.

If you have a physical item or would like to discus taking part in an interview to tell your own story, please contact info@trinitybristol.org.uk

Keep up to do with the project and other Trinity news and event sign up to our mailing list here.

The project is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Trinity Centre will remain closed for public events and gatherings until such times as restrictions ease. Trinity has been and will continue to closely monitor Public Health England guidelines in relation to the COVID-19 situation, in order to respond as necessary.

We will be working to adapt and deliver some activities online as part of grant funded projects - including the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund - and will liaise with community partners to make sure we support any coordinated responses to support those most vulnerable during these difficult times.

Ticket holders

We will communicate via our website and mailing lists regarding all cancellations or postponed events. All tickets will be valid for rescheduled dates, however if you would like to request a refund, please do so by contacting our bookings team on info@trinitybristol.org.uk and include the event name, date and the email you used to make the booking. Please note, that it may take time to respond to refund requests.

Hirers

Please contact your Booking Coordinator via email about your planned event to discuss either postponing and rescheduling or cancelling your event.

Advice for the Community

We urge individuals to follow Public Health England guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 - do not leave your home or mix with anyone outside your own household unless absolutely necessary.

If you or anyone else in your household are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 - a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste - get a test as soon as possible and stay at home until you get the result.

If you are unsure or need to check symptoms, visit the NHS COVID-19 Self Assessment.

Trinity has been working to create opportunities for children and young people in our local community of Old Market, The Dings and Lawrence Hill to access to arts and well-being activities during the COVID19 pandemic.

“Many families we support don't have gardens, computers or printers to benefit from online resources many organisations created. It is important to remember about this digital inequality and therefore packs like those prepared by Trinity Centre are particularly valuable. They contain colourful booklets with inspirational ideas ... to cheer up those who can only dream about their own gardens”.

Pat Pinkowska, Community Engagement Officer, Up Our Street

As part of this work we have created two activity packs full of creative ideas, ranging from make your-own Bird Feeders, to singing Lullabies to learning more about Resistance Movements in Bristol - all devised to do in the home.

Working with our community partners including local primary schools and Eastside Community Trust we have delivered over 900 activity packs to local children and young people.

Trinity's Summer and Winter Activity packs are also available as a free download . They have been devised by the Trinity team and designed by Group of 7.

The packs have been made possible thanks to grant funding from Children in Need, Power to Change and Quartet.

©Sham Ahmed

Meet Dr Edson Burton, Working Class Equality Researcher for the Art of Resistance project.

Dr Edson Burton is a historian, writer and curator living in Bristol since 1994.  Old Market, & Edson joined the Trinity staff team in 2010 to lead What’s Your Trinity Story Project, since then he has led the ground breaking Old Market Study Vice & Virtue, Bridges & Heart & Soul projects. He is co-author of What’s Your Trinity Story & Vice & Virtue. He is a regular voice on local and national radio and television.

His areas of interest include the history of Old Market and the transatlantic slave trade. He is co-author of What’s Your Trinity Story, Vice and Virtue and the poetry collection Seasoned.

Edson is also heading up the project as Heritage Curator. Please get in touch with him if you're interested in getting involved with the project.

Click here to read about the other #Resist Researchers.

This poem is from What Words Are Ours? by artist Talia Randall. It was originally live streamed via Zoom and Facebook, Nov 2020 as part of Trinity Presents Online, funded by The Culture Recovery Fund.

Funds have been made available by the Government to support organisations like Trinity to weather the impact of coronavirus and come back even stronger, whilst also providing a much needed arts offer.

What Words Are Ours? was an exciting D/deaf inclusive poetry cabaret performance, featuring BSL interpreter Becky Barry.

Keep an eye out on our website and social media channels for other upcoming performances as part of #CultureRecoveryFund.

#TrinityPresents

#HereForCulture

The Beach is by Stephen Lightbrown, was presented as part of our inclusive cabaret What Words Are Ours? originally live streamed via Zoom and Facebook, Nov 2020 as part of Trinity Presents Online, funded by The Culture Recovery Fund.

Funds have been made available by the Government to support organisations like Trinity to weather the impact of coronavirus and come back even stronger, whilst also providing a much needed arts offer.

What Words Are Ours? was an exciting D/deaf inclusive poetry cabaret performance, featuring BSL interpreter Becky Barry.

Keep an eye out on our website and social media channels for other upcoming performances as part of #CultureRecoveryFund.

#TrinityPresents

#HereForCulture

Thanks to the flexibility of funders and emergency grant support, we have been able to continue to dedicate resources towards delivery of planned renovation and conservation works.

We have made some much needed access improvements to our well-used Community Garden, installing a ramp and pathway around the garden, so that everyone is able to visit and enjoy the space.

Emma Harvey, CEO said: "The Trinity Garden is an invaluable green space within the locality, particularly right now when getting outside is one of the only things people are able to do. Making it accessible was a key priority for us to make sure physical access is not a barrier to enjoying nature."

Prior to the November 2020 lockdown, Trinity were hosting socially distanced family garden sessions for local people, to encourage people to get outside and learn about gardening and permaculture. The access works will mean that future workshops and sessions will be able to better cater for all needs and will also include the installation of raised beds for people with mobility issues.

“We live on the 7th floor in our flat. I was scared to come as I don t like bees but I love it here now, I can't wait to come back!’”Abdir, age 7 garden workshop participant Summer 2020

Glyn Everett, Trinity Chair of Trustees said; "Making every part of Trinity as accessible as possible to all our community groups and other users has always been a top priority, and I was so pleased and proud of the Trinity team to have achieved this work during Lockdown."

The live capital works phase includes internal renovation works to the Graffiti Room, which was started just prior to the escalation of the global crisis.

The room has been transformed - removing a blocking wall and installing a glass balustrade to reveal the stained glass window and restoring original features. We have installed more suitable flooring and acoustic panels and - most importantly - fixed the heaters in the space so that we will be able to warmly welcome the community back into the space once restrictions begin to ease.

As well as access and restoration, we have also given our downstairs WCs a much needed facelift to make them Covid-Secure for when activities are able to resume.

Our Digs Project to install container units on site has been paused pending the outcome of a revised feasibility study, to inform the capital works programme in response to COVID19. We are liaising with match funder Power to Change as well as the architect team regarding revised timescales.

This latest phase in our capital works programme is being supported with funds secured prior to the pandemic from Power to Change, Nisbet Trust, Derbyshire Environmental Trust, Bristol City Council, private donors and other match funders and emergency funds.

Uchenna Dance deliver a dance workshop at Trinity in 2018. Photo @Khali Ackford

Trinity is pleased to announce that, as part of the Bristol Dance Futures ‘Dance Connect’ programme, five Bristol-based dance practitioners will be funded to undertake year-long residencies in organisations across the city.

The residencies are an opportunity for practitioners, organisations and communities to collaboratively develop a programme of dance activity. Artists will explore and develop ways that dance can be enjoyed and experienced by new and existing audiences and participants across the city.

'It was great to see such high-quality applications and be part of the selection process with a different perspective from the health sector'

Karen Lloyd, Active Ageing Bristol

To ensure a wide range of voices and perspectives helped select the Dance Connect Residencies, the project's Producer Deborah Baddoo invited Karen Lloyd from Active Ageing Bristol and Zannah Chisolm, Artistic Director and CEO Pavilion Dance South West to sit on the selection panels, alongside members of the Dance Futures steering group including independent artist Deepraj Singh.

With the COVID-19 pandemic likely to exacerbate impacts of pre-existing health conditions, two projects will look at the importance of using dance to improve and support good emotional wellbeing and health:

Lerato Dunn will work will work with Southmead Development Trust and Sirona Care to explore how dance can contribute to the physical and emotional health, with the aim to develop a ‘Dance on Prescription’ model that can support vulnerable people.

Rachel James, who leads Dance For Parkinson's at Trinity, will be working with Fresh Arts to create a high-quality dance programme supporting the recovery of elderly and frail patients, designed to help them to get home quicker.

Trinity will be working with both Lerato and Rachel to programme activity in our role as the Arts & Health Dance Hub for the project.

The following collaborations will see artists connecting with new communities strengthening dance participation beyond the city centre:

Penny Caffrey and Helen Wilson will be collaborating with Filwood Community Centre to create a number of different ‘dance happenings’ to promote a positive sense of place within communities.

Katy Noakes will be working with Knowle West Media Centre explore ways to bridge the gap between street and contemporary dance in Bristol.

Dance Connect is an initiative by Bristol Dance Futures - a consortia of Bristol arts organisations and independent artists, that aims to create a vibrant dance ecology across the city, so people of all ages can engage with high-quality dance.

Dance Connect is supported by funding from Arts Council England