The Colston statue: What next? Now – 5 september

Quick info:

The statue of Edward Colston was pulled down on 7 June 2020 during a Black Lives Matter protest in Bristol. One year on, the statue now forms part of a new display at M Shed to start a city-wide conversation about its future. The statue is on display alongside a selection of placards from the protest as well as a timeline of key events leading up to 7 June 2020. As part of your visit, you will have the chance to complete a survey. M Shed want to hear your thoughts on what happened that day and what you think should happen next.

Veronica Ryan at Spike Island Now – 5 September

Quick info:

  • Type of event: In-Person
  • Date: Now – 5th September
  • Time: 12pm-4pm
  • Location: Spike Island
  • Meeting point: n/a
  • Cost: Free
  • Booking instructions:

A major exhibition of new works by British artist Veronica Ryan (b. 1956, Montserrat). Supported by The Freelands Foundation, this is Ryan’s largest and most ambitious exhibition in the UK to date. (more…)

Varekai (Wherever) with RWA Now – 1 October

Quick info:

The RWA are taking a selection of vibrant and colourful artworks from their permanent collection to community venues across Bristol, as a pop-up exhibition, during the time that the RWA building is closed for renovation. The title, Varekai, is a Romani word meaning ‘wherever’. It comes from one of the paintings in the exhibition which depicts Le Cirque du Soleil performing a show of the same name. The exhibition comprises eight paintings that all have great energy, vibrancy and a distinct sense of the outdoors about them.

IN PROGRESS at The Royal Photographic Society Now – 24 October

Quick info:

  • Type of event: In-Person
  • Date: Now – 24th October
  • Time: 10am-5pm
  • Location: Arnos vale
  • Meeting point: n/a
  • Cost: Free
  • Booking instructions: In Progress (rps.org)

IN PROGRESS presents a collection of solo shows by five of today’s most innovative photographers and photo-based artists. The exhibition places emphasis on each of the artist’s individual projects, motivations, and creative practices, and intentionally refrains from linking them to an overarching theme or idea.

LGBTQ+ Faces of Bristol at the Tobacco Factory Now – 7 August

Quick info:

LGBTQ+ Faces of Bristol was founded in July 2020 by local Bristol photographer Karen Freer. The project aims to empower the LGBTQ+ community in Bristol, by ensuring that everyone has positive representation. The project showcases the many people in Bristol via photographic portraits.

BS9 Arts Trail 4 & 5 September

Quick info:

  • Type of event: In-Person
  • Date: 4 & 5 September
  • Time: 11am-5pm
  • Location: Various BS9
  • Meeting point: n/a
  • Cost: Free
  • Booking instructions: HOME – BS9 Arts

From 11am to 5pm on both days, four group venues and five private homes will be open and ready to welcome you to browse the huge range of art work on offer. It’s all made by the 65 artists taking part in the Trail, and includes painting, print, textiles, jewellery, wood, ceramics, photography, and much more. Many exhibitors sell cards too. Artists love to discuss their work, so feel free to ask them about how they did it. There is no pressure to buy, but prices are always lower when you purchase directly from the artist because there is no gallery commission.

Bristol Museums, online tours and exhibitions – on demand

Quick info:

  • Type of event: online
  • Date: on demand
  • Time: on demand
  • Location: online tour and online exhibitions
  • Meeting point: n/a
  • Cost: free
  • Booking instructions: no booking required

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is a very attractive venue, and home to countless treasures from in and around Bristol, and from further afield. Explore the collections of art, nature and history. (more…)

Netsuke: miniature masterpieces from Japan – Year round

Quick info:

  • Type of event: In-Person
  • Date: Now – March 2022
  • Time:12:00pm
  • Location: Bristol museum & Art gallery
  • Meeting point: n/a
  • Cost: Free
  • Booking instructions: n/a

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery has a collection of over 200 Japanese netsuke, small carvings mainly used by men to attach items to their belts. Created in the 1700s and 1800s, each netsuke is unique and they depict a huge range of subjects from Japanese popular culture.75 of these tiny masterpieces from the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery collection are featured in this exhibition