Arnolfini

Arnolfini Free thinking since 1961. Art, performance, literature, music, learning and film. Free entry.

Arnolfini is a centre for contemporary arts located on Bristol’s harbourside in the heart of the city. Woven into the fabric of Bristol since 1961, Arnolfini is a pioneer of interdisciplinary contemporary arts, presenting an ambitious, eclectic programme of visual arts, performance, dance, film, music, workshops and family events, carefully curated to appeal to a broad audience and underpinned by

a commitment to a dynamic civic role in the city. An internationally-renowned institution, throughout its history Arnolfini’s programme has welcomed artists from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds, supporting and developing their work, investigating their influences and aspirations. Arnolfini has long-standing relationships with a variety of partners and celebrates the heritage and wide-reaching impact of the organisation through sharing a 60 year archive of exhibition slides, publications and artist book collection and continues to build on the multicultural, diverse and inclusive ethos that has prevailed since its inception. Arnolfini remains at the heart of the Bristol community, always mindful of founding director Jeremy Rees’ principle to ‘Enjoy Yourself’, inviting everyone to join in. Find out more at www.arnolfini.org.uk
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22/06/2026

As part of we hosted a special edition of Women’s Craft Club with textile artist Svitlana Trygub.

Participants explored traditional felt sewing and embroidery techniques inspired by Ukrainian floral motifs, learning about the stories, symbols and cultural traditions woven into this beautiful craft.

Women’s Craft Club is a regular, free and welcoming space where people can come together, get creative, share skills and meet others in a relaxed environment. Whether you’re an experienced maker or trying something new for the first time, everyone is welcome.

🗓️ Every Friday, from 11am - 1pm
📍 Arnolfini Reading Room, Second floor

☀️ Happy Summer Solstice.A day of light, energy and renewal.Next week, Jonathan Baldock: Held opens at Arnolfini, transf...
21/06/2026

☀️ Happy Summer Solstice.

A day of light, energy and renewal.

Next week, Jonathan Baldock: Held opens at Arnolfini, transforming our galleries into a richly imagined landscape inspired by folklore, myth, craft traditions and the natural world. Populated by symbolic forms, animals and celestial motifs, the exhibition explores cycles of transformation, interconnectedness and belonging.

Pictured here, Moment in the sun (2023) feels especially fitting as we mark the longest day of the year.

Held opens Friday 26 June with an evening summer preview. Free entry.

Image: Jonathan Baldock, Moment in the sun, 2023. Felt, hessian, polymer, turquoise and quartz. Copyright Jonathan Baldock. Image courtesy of the artist.

✨ YOU'RE INVITED ✨Join us on Friday 26 June from 5pm for a special Summer Preview Evening at Arnolfini, celebrating the ...
19/06/2026

✨ YOU'RE INVITED ✨

Join us on Friday 26 June from 5pm for a special Summer Preview Evening at Arnolfini, celebrating the opening of two major new exhibitions: Jonathan Baldock: Held and Polly Braden: Against the Tide.

Expect an evening of art, conversation and celebration, featuring:
✨ First look at both exhibitions
🎧 DJ throughout the evening
💃 Live dance performance
🎤 Speeches from Jonathan Baldock and Polly Braden
🍺 Signature beers from Wiper and True
🍴 Snacks from FED

The event is completely free and everyone is welcome.

📍 Arnolfini
📅 Friday 26 June 2026
🎟️ RSVP here: https://buff.ly/CF3I5mR

We can't wait to celebrate with you.

Remembering Annabel Rees, Co-Founder of ArnolfiniIt is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of Arnolfini...
18/06/2026

Remembering Annabel Rees, Co-Founder of Arnolfini

It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of Arnolfini co-founder Annabel Rees.

Annabel was 19 when she helped to set up Arnolfini with Jeremy Rees (whom she would later marry), and the painter John Orsborn.

We fondly remember her as a highly intelligent, witty and kind woman, deeply immersed in the arts. Arnolfini would not have been the same without her.
We send our warmest sympathies to her daughters Natasha and Justine, and to all her family and loved ones.

"Few of us have the chance to do something truly remarkable in our lives, but Annabel did. Her talent, vision and passion were essential to the founding of Arnolfini, and her legacy lives on in the organisation today." – Suzanne Rolt, Director

Read the full tribute via our website: https://arnolfini.org.uk/remembering-annabel-rees/

Image 1: A portrait of Annabel Rees in front of artwork by Sister Corita Kent at the exhibition preview: Still I Rise at Arnolfini, 13 September 2019. Photographer Lisa Whiting

Image 2: Inaugural opening evening at Arnolfini, 3rd March, 1961, l-r Annabel Lawson (later Rees), Jeremy Rees, John Orsborn. The painting is by Peter Swan. Photographer unknown.

What role does movement play in our lives?Join us on 4 July for A Dance A Day, a joyful and uplifting performance explor...
17/06/2026

What role does movement play in our lives?

Join us on 4 July for A Dance A Day, a joyful and uplifting performance exploring how dance can become a source of confidence, care and connection.

Through movement, text and poetry, three performers share stories of the ways dance has shaped their lives — creating community, supporting wellbeing and offering moments of joy along the way.

Whether you're a lifelong dancer or simply curious about the power of movement, this intimate performance invites us to reflect on the connections we build through moving together.

⏰ Performances at 2pm & 6pm
📍 Arnolfini Theatre
🎟️ Book here: https://buff.ly/phBQ71p

What happens when we slow down and truly listen?Join Dan Johnson for an afternoon of Deep Listening — a practice that co...
16/06/2026

What happens when we slow down and truly listen?

Join Dan Johnson for an afternoon of Deep Listening — a practice that combines sonic meditation, movement, improvisation and playful exploration to help us connect with ourselves, each other and our environment.

Whether you're completely new to Deep Listening or have attended previous sessions, each workshop offers something different while remaining open to all.

📅 Saturday 4 July, 2pm – 4pm
🎟️ Book here: https://buff.ly/7XcbpPr

This , discover welcoming creative spaces designed to bring people together.🧵 Women's Craft Club SpecialCelebrate Brist...
15/06/2026

This , discover welcoming creative spaces designed to bring people together.

🧵 Women's Craft Club Special
Celebrate Bristol Refugee Festival through craft, culture and community with Ukrainian artist Svitlana Trygub.
📅 Friday 19 June, 11am–1pm
📍 Free drop-in session

🎨 Creative Space with Off The Record
A free weekly creative group for 18–25 year olds. No artistic experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.

Alongside these sessions, we also host monthly Creative Wellbeing Workshops and a range of activities designed to support wellbeing, creativity and connection.

Looking for a way to meet new people, learn a new skill, or take time for yourself? Explore our full programme on our website and find a creative activity that's right for you.

As part of Bristol Refugee Festival join us at Arnolfini for events celebrating storytelling, creativity and community.🎭...
11/06/2026

As part of Bristol Refugee Festival join us at Arnolfini for events celebrating storytelling, creativity and community.

🎭 Performance: The Paper Cinema: Journeys
📅 Thursday 18 June, 7 – 8pm (tickets via Headfirst)
🔗 https://buff.ly/q9XXEoq
Created with people seeking refuge in the UK, this extraordinary live performance combines hand-drawn animation, music and storytelling to share three real journeys to safety. After the performance, stay for a conversation with the creators and contributors behind the piece. Hosted by and Bridges for Communities

🧵 Women’s Craft Club Special
📅 Friday 19 June, 11am - 1pm (free, no need to book)
🔗 https://buff.ly/Stdo5Zb
Led by Ukrainian textile artist Svitlana Trygub, this creative free drop-in session explores traditional felt sewing and embroidery inspired by Ukrainian floral motifs, celebrating culture, connection and creativity.

These events are an opportunity to listen, learn, create and connect through shared experiences and stories.

📗 Jonathan Baldock's first-ever monograph is rolling off the presses ahead of the opening of Held at Arnolfini on 27 Jun...
11/06/2026

📗 Jonathan Baldock's first-ever monograph is rolling off the presses ahead of the opening of Held at Arnolfini on 27 June (preview 26 June, 5–8pm).

Published to accompany the exhibition, the book brings together Baldock's new commission alongside a broader survey of his practice, with newly commissioned texts exploring themes of world-building, materiality, nature and nurture, and the body.

Designed by Ratiotype and printed by Bristol's own .

Contributors include Gemma Brace, Head of Exhibitions at Arnolfini, writer and curator Glenn Adamson, curator at Yorkshire Sculpture Park Sarah Coulson and artist and Professor Dominic Johnson.

⭐Pre-order your copy ahead of launch via the link in bio.⭐

Address

16 Narrow Quay
Bristol
BS14QA

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 5pm
Wednesday 11am - 5pm
Thursday 11am - 5pm
Friday 11am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

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