Ice Road by Raucous performed in Jacob Wells Baths. Photo credit Jack Offord

In October 2022 a decision was taken to pause the process of awarding fixed-term funding to the arts and cultural sector of Bristol, in order to ensure transparency and independent decision making.

Trinity are advocating for a similar level of scrutiny regarding the future of our city's community infrastructure, given these decisions will have a far greater long-term impact on our social and cultural fabric.

Our work to promote the plight of the city's community buildings falls in line with Trinity's charitable objective to "provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare". Recently we outlined the value of our many community spaces in Bristol in our report: "A community canvas – building the case for community infrastructure 2022-2026"

The disposal of Jacobs Wells Baths

Since January this year we have been working with stakeholders to create a vision for Jacobs Wells Baths, a Grade II Listed building that holds within its walls a wealth of architectural and social heritage - from its time as a public swimming baths to its 30 year history as a dance hub.

Following the information that Jacobs Wells Baths is now being put forward for disposal Emma Harvey, CEO of Trinity Community Arts, has submitted a statement to Bristol City Councils Full Cabinet meeting 04 July 2023.

Emma Harvey CEO Trinity Community Arts Statement:

For over 15 years, I have been raising concerns about Bristol City Council's failure to adequately classify and protect its community buildings.

Today, I once again bring forth my concerns regarding the disposal process being tabled today. It highlights a lack of protective asset class for buildings like Jacobs Wells Baths and Ujima House, which have been listed for disposal alongside disused plots of land, an old lock-up garage and a former public toilet.

The reduction of irreplaceable community buildings to footnotes in a 400-page agenda pack raises questions about how irreversible decisions are made about the assets we own. Disposing of irreplaceable assets without adequate scrutiny or a consistently applied process jeopardises our connection to the past, erodes our present identity, and threatens the resilience of future communities. Such a decision should involve greater care than may given by an ‘estates rationalisation’ exercise, when these decisions risk eroding the city’s landscape of public spaces where our communities - growing in size and diversity - can connect, build trust, and foster unity.

"Bristol has the opportunity to lead the way and, rather than disposing of these cherished spaces with a dismissive wave, we could seek to adopt a new ‘Public Realm’ asset use class that can change the way we define and protect civic and cultural domains for all citizens. These assets belong to the people of Bristol and as our elected representatives you are entrusted by us to act as our guardians of these shared spaces."

These spaces are more than physical structures and worth considerably more than an old bog or a dumping ground. They represent a tangible connection to our city's heritage and have witnessed countless memories and community gatherings that have shaped our city's social fabric. Not only do these spaces connect and improve the daily lives of people in their surrounding areas, they can also act as significant local economic multipliers, generating jobs and supporting small businesses. Specifically Jacobs Wells Baths is the only community hub within a locality with a combined population of 25,000 residents.

As Trinity has already set out, it has every potential to service the needs of this locality’s diverse communities; residents of HMOs and adjacent social housing blocks, older and young people, who have no other hub for locally based service provision.

I ask the members of today’s Cabinet what is the legacy you want to leave behind?

I urge the Cabinet to re-evaluate this process, as the Mayor has done with other recent called-in decisions, such as the Cultural Investment Programme.

I urge members to consider the 2019 Land for the Many independent report, which advocates for changing the way we make decisions about these critical assets.

Bristol has the opportunity to lead the way and, rather than disposing of these cherished spaces with a dismissive wave, we could seek to adopt a new ‘Public Realm’ asset use class that can change the way we define and protect civic and cultural domains for all citizens. These assets belong to the people of Bristol and as our elected representatives you are entrusted by us to act as our guardians of these shared spaces.

Though your time in office may be limited, the decisions you make today will have lasting consequences for the communities of tomorrow. Please do not miss this once in a lifetime chance to make a positive impact to safeguard the legacy of these and other community buildings for the enrichment and well-being of present and future Bristolians.

Further information

We support Power to Change's We're Right Here Campaign that is building a united movement for community power.

Read more in George Monbiot's Land for the Many independent report that focuses on changing the way our assets are used, owned and governed

The unicorn at Trinity

We are pleased to be hosting a Unicorn as part of the magical arts trail taking place throughout July and August in celebration of Bristol’s 650th anniversary.

The art trail features 60 life-sized unicorn sculptures that have been individually designed and painted by some of the South West’s leading artists and will be raising money for Leukaemia Care, the UK's leading leukaemia charity.

" I recognise our health care systems aren't exempt from many of the inequalities in our society, and wanted to create a contrasting design that hopes to raise awareness of this while also celebrating the vibrancy of colours, patterns and textures commonly associated with some ethnically marginalised communities." Emma Blake-Morsi, artist Unicorn Fest

Trinity’s unicorn, named 'Silence Provokes', has been painted by Bristol-based artist Emma Blake-Morsi and is inspired by leading research by the British Journal of Cancer on ethnic disparities within cancer patients, with the intention of raising awareness about inequalities within healthcare.

People will be able to visit the Unicorn most days between 9am and 5pm. Throughout the summer holidays we will also be offering a programme of affordable/free to access activities as part of our Children and Young People's programme so if you are bringing family, or young people you care for, and want to plan your visit - click here to find out more.

Click here to find out more about the trail including how to download the app and buy a map.

Please note that Trinity is an active community space, visitors are advised to check our listings as access may be restricted to the site during day parties or weddings.

More about this Workshop

This session will include writing exercises inspired by the theme’s show of gender identity and breaking binaries, while covering performance skills, in preparation for the open mic section of the show.

These workshops will be in preparation for the ‘Dancing To Music You Hate’ which kicks off at the Wardrobe Theatre on Monday 10th July at 7.30 pm.

Attendees of this workshop will be given priority for the event’s open mic, though slots are not guaranteed. The workshops are open to participants of all levels, backgrounds and genders. Attendees are invited to bring 1-2 of their own poems that they'd like to work on.

More about the Artists

Jasmine Gardosi is an award-winning spoken word poet, beatboxer and multiple slam champion of national and international renown. Dancing To Music You Hate is her brand new, debut show about gender identity, coming to terms with queerness, and finding the words. Commissioned by Warwick Arts Centre, it premiered there in October 2022 to standing ovations.

More about Milk Poetry

Milk Poetry selects the finest, freshest poets from the UK and beyond to produce the most nourishing and eclectic spoken word bonanza you could ever hope for. Curated and hosted by Malaika Kegode (Writer of Outlier) – monthly Mondays at The Wardrobe Theatre.

We partnering with Tamasha Theatre to explore hidden stories from the Windrush generation.

You are invited to break bread with playwright Mel Pennant and Director Anastasia Osei-Kuffour and to listen to Mel’s audio drama ‘A Stranger in a Strange Place’.

This will act as a starting point to discuss the thoughts, feelings and memories of Windrush which will feed into a new audio play.

This is part of a project to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Windrush, supported by The National Archives, which will culminate in an online listening party in October 2023.

There will be 2 workshops at the St Paul's Learning & Family Centre on the below times;

Thursday 22nd June 2.30 pm to 5 pm  and Friday 23rd June 10 am to 1 pm

You can attend either workshop, you do not need to bring anything along to participate, and there will be refreshments provided for everyone.

More about the Artists

Mel Pennant is a playwright, screenwriter and novelist. In 2013, she won the Brockley Jack Write Now 4 award with her play No Rhyme. In 2017, Mel was shortlisted for the Alfred Fagon Award for her play A Black Fella Walks into a Bar. Her play “Seeds" was on a national tour in 2020 before lockdown brought it to a halt.

Anastasia Osei – Kuffour is a Director, Writer, Producer and Poet. Anastasia’s work includes: All Roads (BGAC, Theatre Peckham, New Wimbledon Theatre Studio & Tramshed); On The Ropes (Park Theatre); Faith, Hope & Glory and Precious Little Thing (BBC Radio 4); Typical (Soho Theatre, the film: Soho Theatre On Demand); Seeds (UK tour, Leeds Playhouse, Live Newcastle, Derby Theatre & Warwick Arts Centre); Cuttin' It (Royal Court UK Schools Tour) and Footprints on the Moon (Finborough). See her website for more: www.anastasiaoseikuffour.com

Tasks may include weeding, planting, watering, creating wildlife habitats, and basic orchard maintenance.

This will also be a nice opportunity to have a cup of tea, relax and enjoy our Green Space.

Sessions are held Fortnightly on Wednesdays - Time: 10.00 - 13.00

Sessions will be led by Trinity's Garden Team. You'll also be working alongside a small team of friendly volunteers.

No previous experience in gardening is required, as all training will be provided.

Tools, equipment and drinks will be provided, and you are welcome to bring your own lunch. Lunch and travel expenses may be claimed back once you are a regular Trinity Volunteer.

Sessions are for 18+ only.

How to take part:

- If you would like to volunteer then first you will need to register with Trinity as a 'Volunteer Gardener'.

- After registration, our Garden Manager will contact you to have a friendly chat within 14 working days.

- You may then be invited to a taster session to see if the sessions feel right for you.

- Please do get in touch as we will do our best to accommodate everyone's individual needs.

In partnership with St Paul’s Carnival/Trinity and Citizens In Power, we are exploring how to co-create a cultural strategy for the West of England region with citizens.

During this research phase, funded by Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch), we invited a range of collaborators from the sector who place participation at the heart of their practice to hear from some of the best speakers working in democratic decision making right now.

Part 5: Deliberative Workshops

In January and February 2023 we organised three deliberative workshops with the aim of devising a long-term, citizen-led process that will shape a cultural plan for the area.

In our first session, we heard from Sarah James, the Creative and Cultural Programme Lead at West of England Combined Authority. She spoke about the Combined Authority’s Cultural Compact – a group consisting of representatives from four Unitary Authorities (Bath and North-East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire) that aims to focus and amplify the role of culture in the region as a driver for economic success, placemaking, community cohesion and personal wellbeing. Sarah talked us through the evolving Cultural Plan for the region and how this connects with other active cultural conversations in the area.

The group then briefly discussed the application process for previous rounds of the government’s City Of Culture competition, from the initial expression of interest through to the judges’ panel visit and interviews. It was agreed that it would be up to the Citizens’ Assembly for Culture as to whether an application for future competitions would be relevant or not.

The group then moved on to discuss the idea of Deliberation – a key methodology used in Citizens’ Assemblies. We heard from Professor Alan Renwick (Deputy Director at UCL’s Constitution Unit) who described the key components which lead to deliberative and consensus decision-making and how this differs from a more conventional debating approach.

Following this first session, we felt that it would be good to bring some of the principles Alan Renwick discussed to life with a couple of stories from inside a Citizen’s Assembly. Therefore, to start our second deliberative workshop, Executive Director of St Pauls Carnival and regular Citizens’ Assembly facilitator LaToyah McAllister-Jones shared some stories that helped immerse us back into the world of assemblies, understand more about their conduct, and remind us that there is expertise around these kinds of participatory processes in our teams and region for us to draw on.

Following this, we spent some time delving more deeply into the way Citizens’ Assemblies are organised and delivered. Sarah Allan, one of the UK’s leading experts in Citizens’ Assemblies, who is Director of Capacity Building and Standards at Involve, joined us to explore the way assemlies are designed along with some of the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the assembly model. She delved into the governance of Citizens’ Assemblies, and how the different stages of assemblies work. After considering the core components of a Citizens’ Assembly, we deliberated together to create a list of other exercises or approaches that we thought could add value to the assembly model.

In the final session, we came together to explore our ideas for a citizen-led process for the west of England region. We set out to create a long-term and affordable and citizen-led process that could create a Cultural Plan for the region. Our main questions and themes were: How can the process itself be creative & cultural? How can the process be inclusive and diverse at every stage? Who are the stakeholders in the process and how can we bring them on the journey? Could the assembly have a federal structure with sub-groups to reflect the different areas across the region? Based on the experience and discussions from all three of the deliberative workshops, we outlined a process as a basic prototype, to be tested with citizens and the wider sector in autumn 2023.

Find out more about the project

Movema Easter workshop at Trinity. Photo credit Alastair Brooks

Due to high demand, applications are now closed

Trinity Community Arts are offering free supermarket vouchers worth up to £150 to help with the cost of living.

The vouchers are available to anyone aged 18 and over who meets one or more of the following criteria

• lives within a 0.5 mile radius of the centre
• takes part in regular community activity at the centre, including Gentle Dance, ROTN and Hype Dance
• takes part in youth activity at the centre, including Next Gen, Stay and Play and after school clubs
• is a parent/carer of a child in local schools including Hannah More, Easton CE Academy, St Nicholas of Tolentine Primary School, Evergreen Primary school and Central Bristol Children's Centre

The voucher scheme will run in May and June 2023 and is supported by The Society of Merchant Venturers,

Who is this for?  
You might be an expert play-er in need of some inspiration (i.e. a performer), or perhaps your body is aching for some silliness after a long day at a desk. Or maybe you haven’t played since you were 6 and are now taking your first steps in your ‘serious person’ recovery journey... Any experience is welcome. Come as you are and let’s play.

What do I bring? 
The sessions involve movement and group games. Wear something you can move in and bring a water bottle. Take it at your own pace. Resting when needed is encouraged.

About Spilt Ink Theatre
Spilt Ink Theatre is a company formed by three female theatre-makers who met in Paris whilst training at Lecoq and Gaulier. They use play, physical theatre, puppetry and clown to create accessible theatre that inspires and moves a wide range of audiences; from young to old, where English may not be a first language and to those who might be new to participating in theatre. Their core intention is to make playful and visual work that is engaging and relevant, inspired by the voices of local people, and our own identities as artists.

The sessions are for families (parents/carers) inclusive of people of all ages and dance abilities.

We encourage people of all ages to join in with activities and welcome volunteers to help us make the group a warm and inclusive space.

As well as the weekly workshops, the project will involve a local performance.

Dates of sessions:

Tuesday 16th May

Tuesday 23rd May

Tuesday 6th June

Tuesday 20th June

Tuesday 27th June

Tuesday 04 July

Please note:

Children must be accompanied at all times, and the parent or guardian will be responsible for the children during their visit to The Trinity and during any performance events connected to this project.

Classes will run from 5:15pm - 6:45pm on:

• Wednesday 13th September
• Wednesday 20th September
• Wednesday 27th September
• Wednesday 4th October
• Wednesday 25th October

Julia has worked extensively in dance over the past 30 years She trained at the Laban Centre and received an MA in Creative Producing from UWE. Julia is the Artistic Director of Julia Thorneycroft Dance. Under the umbrella of JTD, she has devised and produced many funded projects including Full Bloom, a festival of dance for and by older people. This project developed from working with older Bristol residents to set up Gerry’s Attic Dance, a performance company for over-55’s in partnership with Trinity Arts Julia is currently working with Untold Dance Theatre. Having toured with the company as a performer for Woman Wise and Ties that Bind, Julia recently co-directed the companies new show On the Inside which toured in 2022.

Photo credit: Ice Road by Raucous, Jack Offord, Jacobs Wells Baths

"Bristol is brimming with dance talent in many forms, and it is well overdue for a dedicated space of its own" Deborah Baddoo MBE, Bristol Dance Futures Producer

Former dance centre and Victorian swimming pool, Jacobs Wells Baths has recently been saved from potential disposal by Bristol City Council following their announcement to launch an open process for expressions of interests to manage the building via a Community Asset Transfer.

In 2019-21 we were part of Bristol Dance Futures, a consortium dedicated to building dance profile, capacity and infrastructure in Bristol. The project highlighted the rich potential of dance in the city and created legacies including cross-sector working across health and community development.

We asked Bristol Dance Futures Producer, Deborah Baddoo MBE, to reflect on the project and to share how it could help reimagine a community space, such as Jacobs Wells Baths.

"During my time as producer for Bristol Dance Futures it was clearly evident that there is a huge gap in terms of a dance specific space in Bristol.

Obviously, it is important to bring dance into other organisations who may not normally have access to dance activity, but there is a thriving dance community throughout the city, hiring commercial studios, performing in unsuitable spaces and trying to book spaces in venues for rehearsals, classes and workshops.

Post Covid-19, now more than ever, the powers that be are recognising the valuable role that dance and indeed all the arts have on helping individuals on their journey to wellbeing and the special role that dance has in connecting people, improving mobility, releasing stress and enhancing creativity, to name only a few of the benefits of dance.

A dedicated dance space such as Jacobs Wells Baths has potential to be a place where many exciting initiatives can flourish, a networking space for dance, a rehearsal space, and importantly hub for dance and wellbeing activity in the city.

Dance in Bristol has gone through many changes and manifestations over the last 25 years, but these have always tended to be piecemeal, short-lived initiatives having limited long-term impact for the sector as a whole.

Bristol is brimming with dance talent in many forms, and it is well overdue for a dedicated space of its own. A dedicated space will help enable the dance sector in Bristol to continue to grow and be a catalyst for exciting new developments and a much needed home for dance in this vibrant city."

Deborah Baddoo MBE, Dance Producer

If you would like to join a conversation on what the future for Jacob Wells could be, please click here.

In this workshop Jazz will lead a discussion where you explore what being a woman means to you. To help you visualise and process this, Jazz will support you to produce an illustration, a collage or a piece of writing.

The final piece will go on tour with The Silent Heroines Disco performance, with the works displayed at each venue. This is a chance to get your voice heard, illustrated and accounted for.

How to get involved

This workshop is free to attend and is open to people who identify, or have lived experience, as a girl or woman. Ages 11+ You do not need to bring anything with you, but we are asking people to register via the ticket link to help us plan for numbers.

More About Silent Heroine Disco

Silent Heroines Disco is an immersive theatre piece, directed by Jody Cook and Rosalie Pordes.

The idea was created by the Dutch company Women Connected, who developed the first Silent Heroines Disco in 2016 for International Women’s Day. Since then, they have grown the idea: performing festivals, touring internationally and inspiring other arts organisations to create their own versions. Jody Cook has followed the journey and chose to stage her own in Lockleaze in 2021 – and now for 2023 is touring it across other sites in Bristol and Weston Super Mare.

With the workshop centring on the question, 'What does being a woman mean to me?" experienced facilitators Jody and Rosalie will put you at ease and help you develop your performing confidence.

How to get involved

This workshop is free to attend and is open to people who identify, or have lived experience, as a girl or woman. Ages 11+ You do not need to bring anything with you, but we are asking people to register via the ticket link to help us plan for numbers.

More About Silent Heroine Disco

Silent Heroines Disco is an immersive theatre piece, directed by Jody Cook and Rosalie Pordes.

The idea was created by the Dutch company Women Connected, who developed the first Silent Heroines Disco in 2016 for International Women’s Day. Since then, they have grown the idea: performing festivals, touring internationally and inspiring other arts organisations to create their own versions. Jody Cook has followed the journey and chose to stage her own in Lockleaze in 2021 – and now for 2023 is touring it across other sites in Bristol and Weston Super Mare.

Join DAN to have some tea and cake, and meet meet other women, partake in activities and have loads of fun.

How to get Involved

You do not need to pre-register or bring anything to attend, but we are encouraging everyone to bring any unneeded clothes, books and accessories to swap with one another.

Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to attend, however it may be better to leave restless children at home or in childcare so you can have a break and mingle freely.

About Diverse Arts Network

Diverse Artists Network is a development agency for diversity in the arts, promoting cultural competency and representation in the sector. DAN brings together artists/ musicians across Bristol and the South West region, intending to build national and international networks encompassing the broadest spectrum of diversity & representation to facilitate sessions for artistic development.

As always, all communities, organisations, projects and individuals interested in joining the programme are invited and we particularly welcome people with lived experience of the asylum process.

How to get involved

This is a free event and you do not need to bring anything along to attend, but we are asking people to register via the ticket link to help us plan for numbers.

About Bristol Refugee Festival

Bristol Refugee Festival coordinates a collaborative year-round programme of arts, cultural and educational events, bringing together communities from across Bristol and beyond to connect, share and celebrate.

This year's Festival will be a 2 week-long programme (from 12th - 25th June) of arts, cultural and educational events that bring together communities across the city to celebrate the contribution refugees and asylum seekers make to Bristol. We also welcome the return of Celebrating Sanctuary in Queen Square on Sunday 25th June.