©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

The band broke through in 2012 with their debut album ‘Chapman Square’. The album reached number 3 in the official UK chart. Since then Lawson have had seven UK Top 20 hits including Standing In The Dark, Juliet, Roads, When She Was Mine, Where My Loves Goes and Learn To Love Again.

This is the band's first tour in six years and Andy from the band says ‘We are so excited to get back out on the road, we planned to tour throughout 2020 but obviously that kept having to be pushed back. Now we can finally announce that we are heading back out on tour!

Support from Eloise Viola and Rosie Smith

Please note, this is a standing show

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

Her current album, ‘Queer As Folk’, was released in Sep 18 and was a Mojo magazine's top 10 Folk Album of the Year.

For venue accessibility info please click here.

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.

Youth Music's support of Making Tracks, a two year partnership between Trinity, Ace and Basement, means that we are able to reach young people (11-25) across the city to, means that we are able to reach 100's of young people each year and offer music-making opportunities, including 1-2-1 sessions, industry insights with leading artists,  showcase events, leadership skills and much more.

"Working with Trinity has created a platform and safe space for me to share my music, with no judgement... Trinity have made me feel very welcome and introduced me to like-minded people. It's given me a real confidence boost to continue this musical journey. " Esme

Many young people who take part in the project are experiencing challenging circumstances and we have continued to deliver activity throughout he pandemic- find out more here.

We were delighted to be approached by Youth Music for an opportunity to showcase just some of the young people who take part in the project as part of their Winter Music Campaign.

Jasper, Esme and Thomas, all who take engage with the project, recorded  songs to be part of the campaign - and we could not be prouder.

Their videos will be shared by Youth Music across Twitter and Facebook in December, or you can visit our Youtube channel to listen.

Trinity is operating as a Covid-19 Secure, multi-use venue.This means we are operating in a safe way to ensure that the spread of Covid is minimised with any activity happening on our premises. We will work with hirers to ensure that activities or events are thoroughly risk assessed and running in line with Government Guidelines. Please see below what each of the Tiers implemented by the government will mean for events happening at Trinity.

Tier 3: VERY HIGH ALERT

What can happen:

• Wedding ceremonies & wakes – up to 15ppl
• Group activities for under 18s (including indoor physical activity)
• Rehearsals
• Performances for the purpose of live streaming
• Filming
• Formally organised support groups - up to 15ppl
• Parent and toddler groups
• Capacities will be assessed on a case-by-case basis

What cannot happen:

• Conferences or meetings
• Adult group exercise classes / activities
• Wedding Receptions
• Film screenings or talks
• Live music / club nights
• Any performances with audiences (inc. sharings)
• Private Parties
  
  

Tier 2: HIGH ALERT

What can happen:

• Socially distanced shows or performances where audiences are seated and follow the rule of 6
  - Live music 
  - DJs
  - Theatre
  - Cinema
• Meetings and conferences that are essential, following reduced room capacities and social distancing
• Wedding ceremonies, receptions & wakes - up to 15ppl
• Group activities for under 18s (including indoor physical activity)
• Indoor activity for over 18s (including indoor physical activity) can go ahead subject to social distancing rules - however we recommend against the return of high-risk groups
• Filming
• Rehearsals
• Live Streaming
• Organised outdoor gardening groups (for voluntary, training or education purposes)
• Capacities will be assessed on a case-by-case basis

What cannot happen:

• Conferences or meetings which are not essential, or could be postponed
• Adult group exercise classes / activities for high-risk people
• Wedding ceremonies or receptions over 15ppl
• Club Nights
• Private Parties
  
  

Tier 1: MEDIUM ALERT

What can happen:

• Socially distanced shows or performances where audiences are seated and follow the rule of 6
  - Live Music
  - DJ's
  - Theatre
  - Cinema
• Meetings and conferences, following reduced room capacities and social distancing
• Wedding ceremonies, receptions & wakes - up to 15ppl
• Group activities for under 18s (including indoor physical activity)
• Indoor activity for over 18s (including indoor physical activity) can go ahead subject to social distancing rules
• Filming
• Rehearsals
• Live Streaming
• Organised outdoor gardening groups (for voluntary, training or education purposes)
• All activity / event capacities will be assessed on a case-by-case basis

What cannot happen

• Club Nights
• Private Parties
  
  

For all queries please get in touch by phone 0117 935 1200 or email info@trinitybristol.org.uk before 18th Dec 2020 or on / after 11th January 2021.

Applications are now open for a brand-new £6,000 Research and Development commission

Thanks to the Cultural Recovery Fund we are inviting Bristol based organisations or artists to apply for a new commission  to support a Young Audiences Research and Development project. The successful company/artist will work toward creating a live performance or experience made for Young Audiences aged 3-10 years. We welcome artists of any practice and working in any art-form to apply.

Trinity is a cultural-hub for the city, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together. As well as hosting 600 capacity live music performances we also programme theatre and dance in our flexible studio space.

Our building sits at the meeting point of three distinctive and diverse Bristol wards - Easton, Ashley (St Pauls) and Lawrence Hill - whose residents make up Trinity’s local community. In these difficult times, we believe that the arts can bring together communities and we want to commission a piece of work that will do just that.

We’re looking for a Bristol based (within a 20 mile radius of Trinity Centre) artist or organisation, who will Research and Develop/ Create an experience for young audiences that is welcoming and accessible to people from all walks of life including young audiences who may not speak English as a first language and young audiences with disabilities.

The Research and Development period must take place before 12th March 2021.

This commission is for R&D but we expect that the results of the R&D will be shared or showcased in some form.

We will provide:

-£6,000 commission fee (Please note that you must have a bank account in your organisation’s name or be registered as self-employed)

-Opportunity to use our Trinity building space as in-kind support to develop the project

-Advice and guidance from relevant members of staff at Trinity and relevant partners

-Opportunity to share progress of the project with community members, industry professionals and other artists. We particularly welcome applications from artists whose experiences are less visible in 'mainstream' arts programming.

Please note.

All work carried out as part of the commission must adhere to current Covid-19 regulations and guidelines.

We will be hosting a Zoom call on 8th December at 4pm for an informal Q&A session around the commission.

This opportunity is now closed

The choir brings together outstanding singers, all passionate about music and performance and dedicated to giving a great show. Directed by the seasoned powerhouse vocalist, ShezAr; HGC’s leaders have a history of working with choirs and have sessioned and toured with the likes of The Kooks, MNEK, Scissor Sisters, Wretch 32, Naughty Boy, Gorgon City, Stormzy and Labrinth – to name a few. House Choir shows are amped up even further by DJ Fonti, formerly of the legendary Heartless Crew, and his effortless mixing and blending of the biggest tunes House & Garage tunes. Percussion from Dezy Bongo and live keyboards by Stevie Mac combine with the troupe to create an authentic House meets Gospel sound that never fails to raise the roof.

Please note, this is a standing show

This is brought to you by Trinity Presents. Click here to see more arts, community, well-being and education content or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Trinity are working with external artists, partners and organisations as part of Trinity Presents Online to provide exciting content, relevant to Trinity's diverse audiences and in line with our Equal Opportunities and Free Speech Policies. Click here for more information about our Policies. While we endeavour to ensure content we share is relevant and appropriate, Trinity is not responsible for individual content created by third parties.

This is brought to you by Trinity Presents. Click here to see more arts, community, well-being and education content or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Trinity are working with external artists, partners and organisations as part of Trinity Presents Online to provide exciting content, relevant to Trinity's diverse audiences and in line with our Equal Opportunities and Free Speech Policies. Click here for more information about our Policies. While we endeavour to ensure content we share is relevant and appropriate, Trinity is not responsible for individual content created by third parties.

The book features a co-written essay by Trinity team members Emma Harvey and Dr Edson Burton titled In a diverse society, is freedom of speech realisable?

The pair discuss the challenges of balancing free speech with building safe and inclusive intersectional community spaces. They reflect on experiences where competing equality agendas have led to conflicts, highlighting the complexities faced by those managing public spaces in fostering open dialogue while ensuring inclusivity means just that.

The book brings together a diverse group of commentators, activists, and academics to explore who gets to exercise free speech, the consequences when powerful voices are challenged, and how free speech has been weaponised in various debates.

It delves into the spaces and structures of speech, such as mass media, universities, public events, political rallies, and the internet, and investigates how acts like censorship, boycotts, and protests have evolved historically and inform present discussions.

Other essays include:

Gabriel Moshenska: Anatomy of a 'trigger warning' scandal Moshenska recounts a personal experience where his inclusion of content warnings in a course on the forensics of genocide and modern warfare became the centre of controversy and the broader context of academia and free speech

Shaun McDaid & Catherine McGlynn: Free speech and preventing radicalisation in higher education Examines the impact of the UK's Prevent duty on free speech within universities, advocating for its abolition, highlighting how the policy inadvertently suppresses legitimate discourse in higher education.

Paul Whickman: Teaching 'freedom of speech' freely Whickman reflects on his experiences teaching literary censorship and free speech and discusses the importance of fostering a respectful and diverse environment to encourage open dialogue.

These essays, among others in the collection, provide nuanced perspectives on the multifaceted debates surrounding free speech, its limitations, and its implications in various societal contexts.

The free speech wars: How did we get here and why does it matter? edited by Charlotte Lydia Riley is available to buy from Manchester Univeristy Press, £14.99