Jacobs Wells Baths
In September 2016, Bristol City Council Property team approached Artspace Lifespace when I was the Company Manager and offered us a temporary lease for the Former Dance Centre at Jacobs Wells Baths while exploring options for the building's future.
Jacobs Wells Baths building has provided a unique opportunity for Artspace Lifespace to develop the work we do as an organisation in providing Access, Space, Logistics and Support for a vibrant creative community in Bristol and beyond.
Our vision was to create a welcoming and open space for the local community and to support creativity in Bristol with a new hub at Jacobs Wells Baths. Working closely with the local community and all interested groups and arts organisations in the City, we have helped curate a very exciting programme of events, ranging from exhibitions, dance workshops and performances, art workshops, small to medium scale theatre shows and community events.
Councillor Estella Tincknell, Deputy Mayor with responsibility for Culture, said: “This agreement with Artspace Lifespace will secure the building in the short term and breathe new life into this important community space. I am pleased that the focus for the future will be on creating an open space for the community to engage with local creatives and support a diverse programme of events and exhibitions.”
The main space has been used for dance and theatre rehearsals and performances as well as community events. The former Café area is the ‘Hub’ where artists and the local community can showcase work and share ideas. Jacobs Wells Community Hub has been heavily involved in securing the future of the building and have organised various community activities in the old Baths. “We want to see the building flourish as a multi-use building that encompasses a wide variety of arts, culture and leisure activities; ideally with community and dance at its core.’’ Heather Watts, Jacobs Wells Community Hub.
In partnership with Jacobs Wells Community Hub and Vivid Regeneration Artspace ran a number of community consultation days with the following themes: Community, Dance & Arts, History & Heritage, Family Fun.
Project website
Dates
2016-2018
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