Trinity Community Arts is delighted to announce that it has been awarded £17,000 through the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch) Exhibitions Fund to support Art of the Possible: Rhythm • Flow • Resistance, a major international exhibition and site-specific activation planned for Summer 2027 at Jacobs Wells Baths.

Trinity is proud to support Bristol Refugee Festival 2026 as part of Celebrating Sanctuary, programming this year's family craft area filled with creative activities for all ages.

On Sunday 21 June, visitors are invited to join Bristol Refugee Festival for their free annual flagship event and festival finale showcasing Bristol refugee talent with live performances, activities, games, kids area, trade stalls and delicious food.

Addendees can take part in hands-on workshops, interactive installations and open-ended making, led by a brilliant mix of artists and organisations from across the city.

Junkfish bring their much-loved Junk Ball Run, a giant marble run made from colourful recycled materials, alongside a selection of oversized garden games including chess, Jenga, noughts and crosses, draughts and hoopla. It’s a space to play, explore for all ages.

We’re also working with fellow Family Arts Network partners to offer a range of creative activities. Join Let’s Make Art to design and build your own kite, inspired by ideas of freedom, hope and resilience.

Create a personalised flag with Bristol Scrapstore using recycled materials, celebrating the people, places and things that matter to you. Suitable for all ages and abilities

Let’s Make Art and Scrapstore facilitators will be supported by local artists Sherien Elsheikh and Nabil Amini, with henna design sessions from Fariha and Pooja running throughout the day.

Everyone is welcome to drop in, take part and spend time in a relaxed, creative environment.

Trinity has worked closely with Bristol Refugee Festival in the lead-up to this year’s event, hosting planning meetings in late 2025 and early 2026 and supporting the team as they began shaping this year’s celebration of sanctuary, community and creativity centred around the overall theme of courage.

"It was exciting to meet up with current partners as well as connecting with new organisations from across the city, to strengthen community connections and continue to spread the message of welcome across Bristol." - Jen Farmer, Arts Engagement Manager, Trinity

As a member of the Family Arts Network, we were eager to collaborate with other members, including Bristol’s Scrapstore, a key partner from last year’s Celebrating Sanctuary event. We also welcomed Let's Make Art, based at Arnolfini, which delivers creative activities across the city. The Network is funding two artists, Sherien Elsheikh and Nabil Amin, to lead craft activities on the day. Trinity is also pleased to support two additional artists, Pooja and Fariha, who will conduct henna design workshops.

Visit the Bristol Refugee Festival website for more info

Free, drop-in | All ages welcome

Over the past year, Eleri has been a huge part of life at Trinity, from the youth programme to the sound team and we want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you.

Starting out as a volunteer with Next Gen Sounds, she quickly became a valued music tutor, leading inspiring 1–2–1 sessions and after-school workshops with young people at Easton CE Primary. Her approach has always been rooted in making a difference to the young people she’s worked with and to the wider team.

Behind the scenes, Eleri has brought the same energy and calm focus to the sound desk, supporting live gigs and youth showcases with skill and confidence. Her contribution to with Bristol Drug Project’s Recovery Orchestra and Move On Music further demonstrated her passion for community music and her ability to elevate every project she is involved with.

"She’s made a genuine difference here and we’re all going to miss her – but it’s exciting to see her step into the next chapter of her career." -Jake Mensah, Youth Services Manager

Eleri’s commitment, kindness and creativity has made a huge impact across Trinity Community Arts, and we are truly thankful to have had her as part of the team. Wishing you all the best on your next path into full-time sound tech.

At the end of May, we hosted Echo, a day bringing together artists from Bristol and Bordeaux as part of the city’s international twinning partnership.

What started earlier this year as a simple introduction has quickly grown into something much bigger. Echo was the first chance to bring people together in the same space, to share work, spend time together and see what might come next.

“We never dreamed that those first conversations would result in us hosting such an exciting and beautiful event here at Trinity – one that celebrated the rich cultural heritage of our city while welcoming some of the most talented emerging artists from our new friends in Bordeaux.”

- Adam Gallacher, Deputy CEO

Across the day, people moved between workshops, performances and conversations, with artists from both cities sharing ideas and getting to know each other.

One of the highlights was a drop‑in workshop led by Colourful Minds, where people of all ages created collage buildings inspired by Bristol and Bordeaux. Using cardboard, paint and coloured paper, participants added to a growing skyline that brought both cities together in one shared piece. The idea came from earlier work with local school pupils, and it was great to see it opened up to families on the day.

There was a steady flow of people, with children, parents and artists all taking part. Some stayed for hours, others dropped in briefly, but it all added to the same feeling. People were relaxed, curious and open to trying something new.

Throughout the day, English and French could be heard across the building. Conversations didn’t always need translation. A lot of it happened through making, performing and spending time together.

“The artists absolutely loved performing at Trinity, and they really enjoyed discovering the city as well. It was their first time performing in England, which made the experience particularly meaningful and symbolic for them. Thank you all for such a warm welcome. We really enjoyed the event too.”

- Emma Asensio, Le Rocher de Palmer

Echo felt like a starting point. It gave space for people to meet properly and begin building relationships that go beyond a single event.

“We learned a huge amount from both the event itself and the build‑up to it. It’s definitely helped me better understand what Twin Cities is becoming and how we can continue developing the platform moving forward. So thank you all again for that.”

- Ed Findlay, Founder, Twin Cities Limited

In September, artists from Bristol will travel to Bordeaux to continue that exchange and develop the work further.

Thank you to everyone who made the day happen, and to everyone who came along and took part. This is just the beginning.

This event was supported by the Bristol Bordeaux Partnership (BBP), which supports and amplifies the many links between the two cities. The BPP works alongside counterparts l'Association Bordeaux Bristol and both City Councils.

Nubiyan Twist at Trinity in 2025. Photo Elliot Hingston

Music Programme Coordinator (Maternity Cover)

• Job Title: Music Programme Coordinator
• Contract Type: Fixed-term (10 months)
• Hours: Full-time or part time (min 30hrs per week)
• Rate of Pay: £27,300 - £30,225 (depending on experience)

Deadline: 4th June *5pm

We are looking for a Music Programme Coordinator to join our Music team during a period of maternity cover. This is a chance to play a key role in delivering an eclectic programme of live music and club events in a space unlike any other - from grassroots gigs to high-energy club nights.

Working closely with promoters, artists and partners, you’ll help bring ambitious events to life in a venue that audiences and performers genuinely care about. You’ll be part of a fast-paced, creative environment where no two nights are the same, and where attention to detail and strong relationships make all the difference.

How to Apply

1. download the job description and person specification
2. complete our anonymous online equal opportunities monitoring form - this will not be used as part of the selection process

For more info about how we store your data, please see our our Recruitment Privacy Notice.

Trinity is an Equal Opportunities employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities. We recommended reading the job description and person specification thoroughly and describe exactly how you meet the requirements as this is the basis on which candidates will be shortlisted for interview.

We will make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process if you have a disability or long-term health condition, or if you need something different or additional as part of the recruitment process. To discuss your requirements, please get in touch on info@trintybristol.org.uk/ 0117 935 1200 or pop into the Trinity Office between 9:30am-4pm Monday-Friday.

Please see our Recruitment Policy for further information.

Due to the volume of applications, we may not be able to contact everyone individually. If you have not heard from us by Friday 12th June 2026, please assume your application has been unsuccessful

MoYah is an Afro‑fusion Hip Hop artist and cultural producer whose work explores identity, heritage and social justice. Born in Mozambique and raised in Portugal, his creative practice is rooted in lived experience and community connection. Since moving to Bristol, MoYah has been closely involved with Trinity Community Arts, contributing to youth‑focused creative programmes, collaborative projects and spaces that centre Black creatives and cultural expression.

Who is MoYah, and how did your relationship with Trinity Community Arts begin?

I’m an Afro‑fusion Hip Hop artist and cultural producer. My work is shaped by themes of identity, heritage and social justice.

My relationship with Trinity began when I first moved to Bristol and was looking for a connection. I came across Black Creatives, which had just started at the time, and I’ve been attending since the very first meetup. That space helped me connect with other creatives in the city, and over time it’s grown into something consistent, with regular events and shared purpose.

I’m now part of the board, where we help promote each other’s work, share opportunities and organise monthly sessions and outings. The relationship with Trinity has developed naturally over the years, and it’s become an important base for both my creative work and collaborations.

What projects are you working on at Trinity Community Arts?

I’ve been leading the Speak Out project alongside Sukina Noor, delivering workshops and mentoring sessions with young creatives based in Bristol. We’re also working with Patchwork Prod on a video that captures participants’ growth and development throughout the programme.

I’ve used spaces at Trinity for a range of other projects too, including sessions from the Hip Hop Garden programme, which I’m delivering in collaboration with Bristol Drugs Project. As part of that work, participants used the studio to record a track and rehearse together, which was a powerful and meaningful process.

In addition, Trinity hosts our Black Creatives monthly sessions, providing a consistent and welcoming space for people to come together, share ideas and support each other’s work.

Where do you see gaps in youth provision for young people in Bristol?

One of the biggest gaps is the lack of consistent, long‑term support. There are some amazing initiatives across the city, but many are short‑term or underfunded, which makes it difficult to build trust and real progression with young people.

I also see a gap in creative pathways that genuinely lead somewhere. Young people are often encouraged to express themselves, but not always supported to turn that expression into skills, opportunities or careers.

There’s also a real need for culturally relevant spaces where young people feel safe and supported to explore their heritage, talk honestly about the challenges they face, and speak their truth without feeling judged or limited.

Hype Dance Company has been part of the Trinity Bristol family for over two decades, offering vibrant street dance training for children and young people across the city. Founded and led by Bristol-based dancer and mentor Natasha Benjamin, HYPE stands for Helping Young People Excel – a value that underpins everything the company does.

Created as Girls With Attitude, Hype Dance Company has now been running for almost 23 years, using dance as a powerful tool for confidence, discipline, creativity and belonging. Today, Hype runs open Wednesday street dance classes at Trinity for children and teenagers of all abilities, alongside highly respected performance teams who compete and perform nationally and internationally.

“I truly love what I do and feel grateful that I’ve been able to make a positive impact on young people’s lives. Seeing their growth and confidence is what makes it all worthwhile.”

– Natasha Benjamin, Founder of Hype Dance Company

Hype is far more than a dance class. For many students, it becomes a second family – a safe, supportive space where young people feel seen, encouraged and challenged to reach their potential.

Auditions for performance teams are not based on technique alone. Behaviour, attitude, teamwork and respect are just as important, ensuring that dancers grow not only as performers but as role models and leaders.

From 2007 to 2025, 98% of Hype students progressed into further education, with many former members now working professionally in dance – touring with major artists, performing in the West End, appearing on television and film, and teaching the next generation.

Natasha Benjamin: founder, mentor and role model

Natasha began teaching dance at just 16 years old, shortly after becoming a teenage mum. Determined not to let circumstances define her future, she built Hype to show young people that belief, perseverance and community can open doors.

“I wanted young people to know that no matter your background, your struggles or your age, you can still achieve great things if you believe in yourself.”

Her contribution to the Bristol community has been widely recognised, including an Olympic Torchbearer nomination (2012), a High Sheriff Award (2021) and a Community Thank You Award from Eastside Community Trust (2025).

Making dance accessible through subsidised places

Trinity has been an essential part of Hype’s journey, providing a trusted and welcoming home for classes, rehearsals and families. Through funding from BBC Children in Need and Bristol City Council’s Youth & Play Network, Trinity has supported 20 subsidised places each year for three years, helping remove financial barriers for families affected by the rising cost of living.

These places ensure children and teenagers can access consistent training, performance opportunities and a strong sense of belonging.

From younger dancers settling into a new city, to teenagers developing leadership skills and beginning to assist with teaching, the impact of Hype is seen every week in the studio. Older students are increasingly stepping into mentoring roles, while younger dancers are building confidence through performance and teamwork.

Recent achievements and what’s next

Over the past six months, Hype dancers have celebrated outstanding competition success, including multiple first-place wins at the Soar SDC, Electric Dance Championships, and UDO Street Dance Championships, as well as performing on the main stage at Super Dance Weekender in Birmingham.

Looking ahead, dancers are preparing for performances at:

• St Paul’s Carnival
• Bristol Harbour Festival
• World Street Dance Championships

For more on HYPE, head here

As part of the Saving Jacobs Wells Baths development phase, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, heritage engagement specialists Local Learning have been working with 5 MArch Students from University of the West of England (UWE), City of Bristol College students on the Pathways to Independent Living course, Children from Willow Park Primary and accessibility practitioners Daisy Holder and David Ellington, to understand how accessibility in heritage spaces is not a nice to have but fundamental to how the building will function as a civic space.

With Phase 1 capital repairs live, plans for Phase 2 renovations will attempt to address some of the issues that have long held the building back. The former Victorian bathhouse suffers from being largely inaccessible with no lift provision and a complex arrangement of split levels and changes in floor height, meaning there is no level access throughout the building. This has historically limited who can use the space also limiting its viability. The inability for some participants to physically access the building as part of the design works limited their ability to engage fully in the design process, reinforcing that without full accessibility, the building cannot support meaningful participation or co-creation as a civic and cultural hub.

Through co-design sessions, disabled young people worked with the architecture students from UWE to develop proposals for a fully accessible youth space within the Baths. Their insights, grounded in lived experience of navigating the city, directly informed spatial design, circulation, and the social use of the building.

Many participants had no prior experience of youth spaces, reflecting the sustained closure of youth provision and limited access to dedicated, inclusive spaces within the immediate locality. This underscores both a critical infrastructure gap and the importance of designing environments that are genuinely accessible from the outset.

The student’s work also begun to articulate a unifying creative vision for the Baths that will underpin the building’s reimagining as a cultural powerhouse for Central Bristol Drawing on the building’s layered histories and future potential, UWE architecture student Nghi developed a framework that distilled these diverse narratives into five overarching themes: Resistance, Rhythm, Reflection, Flow and Imprint.

These themes capture the Baths’ evolution, from civic infrastructure to dance space to future cultural hub and provide a conceptual foundation for how the building could be experienced, programmed and interpreted.

The students work is informing technical designs being created by Architects PH3 Design. As part of the design consultation PH3 have also worked with accessibility specialists WECIL to refine and improved accessibility of the site, as part of Phase 2 capital work plans. A full accessibility audit can be seen here.

Sean Redmond, Architect from Ph3 Design said:

“Ensuring we weave accessibility throughout ever changing floor levels of this complex, listed building, has been a significant challenge that has benefitted hugely from the consultation and engagement events that the team has organised. We’re determined to ensure that when we’re finished, everyone – irrespective of their access needs - will be able to access all areas of the building and we can’t wait to welcome people of all access abilities into this magnificent new community and cultural hub.”

Through this process, children shared their experiences of the public realm, what feels welcoming, unfamiliar or out of reach, showing that accessibility is not just physical, but also about permission, ownership and cultural connection.

The work developed through this programme was presented publicly at a Reflection & Sharing session on 23 April 2026, bringing together partners, artists, students and community participants to reflect on learning to date and explore the building’s future potential.

UWE students talked through their design proposals demonstrating how early-stage architectural thinking can be meaningfully informed by people with lived experience, embedding accessibility, inclusion and social use at the heart of the design process. The event also created space for reflection, linking past and present learning to future work.

An interactive workshop led by Colourful Minds formed part of this wider engagement. It invited attendees to explore heritage, place and belonging, building on earlier work with children and young people including the Bristol–Bordeaux twinning exchange, funded by Bristol City Council, where children from after-school clubs at Evergreen, Hannah More, Easton and St Nicks primaries (with Willow Park to follow) created cardboard models of landmark buildings in both cities - such as La Rocher de Palmer, La Cité du Vin, Bristol Museum and Easton Jamia Masjid. Also facilitated by Laura from Colourful Minds, these sessions encouraged creativity, observation and a deeper connection to heritage.

The event presented a series of site activations created as part of Art of the Possible, a pilot activation programme exploring how artists can work within the Baths during its restoration. To date, 11 Bristol-based artists have responded to the space across disciplines including music, spoken word and dance, helping to test how the building might function as a future cultural hub.

This work demonstrates the value of embedding creative, community-led thinking within the development process, ensuring the restored Baths are not only physically accessible, but also culturally meaningful and legible to those who use them. It shows that investment in accessibility goes beyond compliance, enabling Jacobs Wells Baths to function as inclusive social infrastructure shaped by and for the communities it serves. It reinforces the role of heritage spaces as welcoming and relevant to those historically excluded from cultural and civic life, and highlights accessibility as a collective process, strengthened through ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing between practitioners, participants and future users.

Photos by Shamphat Productions

Echo, a new one-day international music and cultural exchange festival, takes over Trinity in Bristol on 30th May with a free, all‑day programme of live music. Celebrating nearly 80 years of cultural exchange between Bristol and Bordeaux, the festival brings together grassroots artists from both cities, Binbag Wisdom, DJ Koyla, Josephine Gyasi, MĀDŁY, Okali and t l k, in a genre‑spanning celebration of shared creative practice.

Taking place on Friday 30th May at Trinity, he free one‑day festival marks the first chapter of this new cross‑border cultural exchange between Bristol and Bordeaux, developed in partnership with Le Rocher de Palmer and Twin Cities Fest, and delivered during Trinity Community Arts’ 50th anniversary year.

At its core, the programme brings together a diverse range of artists whose work spans hip‑hop, DJ culture, neo‑soul, alt‑theatre, spoken word, and immersive live performance.

As part of the event, we will have Binbag Wisdom, a boundary‑pushing hip‑hop trio blending sharp lyricism, theatrical comedy, and live turntablism to redefine what a hip‑hop performance can be. Fresh from a sell‑out run of their new show The Ballad of Wee Willy Winky, Binbag Wisdom’s live sets balance humour and honesty, creating performances that are as emotionally resonant as they are entertaining.

The line‑up also features DJ Koyla, a French‑Burkinabè multidisciplinary artist whose high‑energy sets draw from 90s house, afrobeats, funk, and disco, alongside Bristol‑based DJ and cultural connector Josephine Gyasi, known for instinct‑led sets rooted in embodiment, rhythm, and connection with the room.

MĀDŁY, a Paris‑born, Bristol‑based multilingual singer, rapper, and poet, brings a powerful live project combining neo‑soul, nu‑jazz, and hip‑hop, supported by an acclaimed band of Bristol musicians. Alongside Okali, a multidisciplinary music project blending spiritual African influences with neo‑trip‑hop, performing songs across English, Eton, Zulu, and French.

“Echo is about building real connections through shared creativity, across borders, cultures, and communities.” - MĀDŁY

Alongside music, audiences can expect food and drinks from local traders. A family‑friendly and relaxed garden‑party atmosphere, making Echo an accessible, welcoming day out for all ages.

Background

Echo is a new international cultural exchange programme connecting Bristol and Bordeaux, two cities officially twinned since 1947. The project is designed to strengthen long‑standing cultural links by supporting grassroots artists and creating accessible opportunities for audiences to engage with international creative work.

The first edition of Echo takes place in Bristol at Trinity. The programme reflects Trinity’s long‑standing commitment to lowering barriers to participation, amplifying underrepresented voices, and creating inclusive arts spaces where culture is shared rather than consumed.

Echo is delivered in partnership with Le Rocher de Palmer, a leading cultural venue in Bordeaux, with a strong focus on global music and community engagement, and Twin Cities Fest, a project celebrating cultural exchange through music and international collaboration.

Following the Bristol event, the festival will continue its journey to France, with the second chapter of Echo taking place at Le Rocher de Palmer in Bordeaux on 19 September, ensuring the exchange flows in both directions.

We took advantage of warm, sunny weather and were able to take these sessions outdoors, which created a relaxed atmosphere.

Working outside encouraged freedom of movement, conversation and experimentation, and the children responded with enthusiasm, confidence and a real sense of enjoyment in their creative processes.

These sessions are funded by Bristol City Council through their Youth and Play Grant, which enables local young people to explore new opportunities and engage with the local community. A big thank you for the continued support!

Over the two days, the children demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to try new ideas, resulting in a collection of vibrant and unique outcomes. They worked well in their small groups, making friends with peers from other schools in the area. They also managed their own need for breaks and independently formed smaller groups to enjoy the garden space, where they played games and relaxed together.

Day One

Imprinted Clay & Plaster Face Sculptures - This activity, focused on texture, form and surface, led by artist Dorcas Casey, gave children the opportunity to explore mark-making in clay, pressing in vegetables and plants to create expressive, tactile faces. They experimented with composition, facial features and imprint techniques, resulting in a diverse range of thoughtful and characterful sculptures.

Shiny Collage Suns – The young people were invited to play with reflective collage materials, layering papers and foils to explore light, colour and pattern. This activity encouraged bold design choices and experimentation in arranging materials.

Day Two

Art Cakes - The children built 3D cardboard cakes, combining colour, shape and structure to create playful, decorative pieces full of personality. This activity allowed the children to problem-solve with 3D shapes, while also keeping attention to detail.

Trinity is proud to present Echo, an international cross-city celebration of sound, creativity and community. Developed in partnership with Le Rocher de Palmer (Bordeaux), and Twin Cities Fest, Echo marks a remarkable 79-year relationship between the two officially twinned cities, bringing together grassroots artists, cultural practitioners and local communities through a free one-day festival at Trinity on 30 May.

This first chapter of Echo takes place in Bristol, with the celebration continuing in France as the programme travels to Le Rocher de Palmer on 19 September for the second half of this unique cultural exchange.

Audiences at Trinity can expect a day of music performances, food, and refreshments available from local vendors and community engagement for all ages as Bristol’s grassroots talent meets exciting artists from Bordeaux. With Trinity Garden‑party vibes, Echo offers a feel‑good day out for the whole family.

Line-up:

• Binbag Wisdom

• DJ Koyla (Bordeaux)

• Josephine Gyasi

• MĀDŁY

• Okali (Bordeaux)

• T L K

Alongside the main programme, pupils from Hannah More Primary School, St Nicholas of Tolentine Primary School, Evergreen Primary Academy and Easton CE Academy have been taking part in after‑school sessions led by artist Laura Clifford, the CEO of Colourful Minds. Using recycled materials, each KS2 group created detailed skyline artworks combining iconic landmarks from both Bristol and Bordeaux. These collaborative pieces will be displayed at Trinity during the festival, inviting children, families and the wider community to celebrate their work.

Bristol City Council  visited each participating school to deliver assemblies and staff sessions, introducing an accompanying classroom activity pack.

“We were approached by Bristol City Council’s International Twinning Manager, to introduce the team to the local primary schools we work closely with through the PHF‑funded Cultural Alliance Programme. Our strong relationships with these schools have enabled us to support them with creative projects and to strengthen communication and delivery.” - Sarah Franke, Children's Programme Manager, Trinity Community Arts

The festival is free to attend, with a suggested £3 donation per person on the door to help Trinity continue delivering inclusive, community‑focused events.

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“We were approached by Bristol City Council’s International Twinning Manager, to introduce the team to the local primary schools we work closely with through the PHF‑funded Cultural Alliance Programme. Our strong relationships with these schools have enabled us to support them with creative projects and to strengthen communication and delivery.” - Sarah Franke, Children's Programme Manager, Trinity Community Arts

The festival is free to attend, with a suggested £3 donation per person on the door to help Trinity continue delivering inclusive, community‑focused events.

Listing Information

Echo Festival at Trinity 
Date: 30 May 
Location: Trinity Centre, Bristol 
Admission: Free (suggested £3 donation)

About Trinity Presents – Celebrating 50 Years of Music

Echo forms part of Trinity Presents, our in‑house programme spotlighting outstanding artists and fresh new voices, rooted in the communities at the heart of the city.

About Le Rocher de Palmer

Le Rocher de Palmer is a contemporary music venue (SMAC) in the Bordeaux metropolitan area. The 6700m2 venue includes 3 concert halls, a documentary resource centre on world music, a digital studio, a coworking space, a cultural business incubator, and a digital museum with the Micro-Folie label.

https://billetterie.lerocherdepalmer.fr/

About Twin Cities Fest

Through its programme, Twin Cities Fest aims to celebrates the unique cultural identity of each city - spotlighting its music, food, art and wider creative communities. It provides emerging artists with opportunities to perform for international audiences, while building lasting connections with artists and venues in partner cities

Trinity Community Arts reaffirms commitment to the Real Living Wage

Trinity Community Arts is proud to confirm our continued commitment to the Real Living Wage, following the Living Wage Foundation’s announcement of updated rates.

As of 1 April 2026 all our staff including those employed by third parties will be paid at least the new Real Living Wage rate of £13.45 per hour. This rate is independently calculated based on the real cost of living and remains the only UK wage benchmark rooted in what people need to live with stability and dignity.

Trinity has been a Real Living Wage accredited employer since 2020 and remains committed to implementing the updated rates in line with Living Wage Foundation guidance and ensuring all directly employed staff, third party staff and regular contractors are fairly paid in line with this standard.

Chair of Trustees Chris Luffingham said; "As a Board we fully support the principles behind the Real Living Wage, which recognises the importance of ensuring workers can meet essential living costs. We are proud to continue to stand alongside other Living Wage Employers in supporting a fairer and more equitable economy."

Adam Gallacher, Deptuty Chief Executive said; “At Trinity, our commitment to the Real Living Wage reflects our wider values of fairness, inclusion, and sustaining a resilient cultural workforce. Paying the Real Living Wage is a fundamental part of how we support the people who make our work possible and ensure that cultural work remains viable, accessible, and valued. We welcome the continued leadership of the Living Wage Foundation in driving fair pay standards across the sector and beyond.”

“Some of my favourite times making music, sharing music has been in grassroots venues. Getting it really right, getting it really wrong, getting it all shades of in between and through that, learning so much about not only myself, but learning about the people around me, learning what a sense of community feels like.

Grassroots venues are essential and so much love to Trinity for what this space is going to be." - Grove

Trinity Community Arts has launched Art of the Possible, new pilot programme exploring how creativity can thrive inside Jacobs Wells Baths while the historic building continues to undergo restoration. The programme offers a rare chance to experience the site in its current transitional state, test creative ideas and imagine future uses for the space for both communities and artists. The series invites Bristol artists to respond to the building as it is now, capturing the energy, atmosphere and potential held in an unfinished space.

As part of this pilot programme, Trinity is releasing a series of short videos created on site with Bristol artists, including Grove and Muneera Pilgrim. The series will feature a broad mix of artistic disciplines - from spoken word and live music to dance and electronic music, with more contributors to be announced as the programme unfolds.

As Trinity Community Arts works to restore the Grade II listed bathhouse, Art of the Possible acts as a living research and development process.

Emma Harvey, CEO of Trinity Community Arts, said:

“The history of Jacobs Wells Baths is rooted in everyday people making that which seemed impossible into a reality. And we know artists are the best people at bringing our imaginations and dreams to life.” -Emma Harvey

These early responses demonstrate how different art forms can inhabit the building even as repair work continues, offering audiences a glimpse into how the Baths might operate as a creative hub once restoration is complete.

“Grassroots venues are not just important they are vital they are the life blood to what we do as artists, as communities. If we don’t have grassroots venues we don’t have venues.

In spaces that are grassroots you get to cultivate music, art, truth, create community and create change”- Muneera Pilgrim

Muneera Pilgrim by Khali Ackford Photography

A continuation of heritage learning and participation offer for residents, schools and community groups already involved in this phase of the project, will run alongside the artistic research and development programme, helping people connect with the building’s social history and understand the traditional skills involved in its conservation.

This work is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, and is part of Trinity’s wider programme to bring Jacobs Wells Baths back into everyday community use. The Art of the Possible pilot also complements active restoration funded by the Architectural Heritage Fund and other partners.

Trinity continues active fundraising to support the next stage of restoration, with the aim of safely reopening the building as soon as possible. Continued support from local people, funders and partners will determine how quickly the Baths can return to public use.

Art of the Possible marks an important moment in the journey to bring Jacobs Wells Baths back into everyday community use, offering a glimpse of its future potential while celebrating its past alongside this important renovation phase.

Trinity’s wider renovation and engagement programme is supported by a range of funders and partners including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, The Nisbet Trust, John James Foundation, Society of Merchant Venturers, Historic England, Pilgrim Trust, Bristol City Council, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Centrica Energy and Trinity’s individual donors and sponsors.

Opinion piece by Emma Harvey, CEO

Since the launch of the Citizens for Culture cultural delivery plan on 15 Jan 2026, we’ve seen a level of collaboration, energy and shared ambition in Bristol and the region that shows what’s possible when we come together around a common endeavour.

Though we've not been longlisted for UK City of Culture this time round, Bristol can still build our collective response to our citizen-led cultural plan with the same level of passion, openness and effort that went into making it.

Bristol's cultural identity is defined by what we choose to do collectively and the measure of us is not as a one-off moment, but in our ongoing way of being.

Citizens told us seeing one thing delivered from their plan would be amazing, and that's starting to happen. Responding to the call for greater openness and accountability, the sector is working together to build a more connected Bristol Culture Network, with clearer entry points and a more transparent, mapped approach so people can see where they fit and how to get involved. Bristol City Council’s commitment to protect cultural investment over the next three years, despite significant budget pressure is another clear sign that citizens' voices have been heard.

Bristol is, in many ways, a microcosm of the UK and as such we're the best place to test and build how culture can better include all of us. The Citizens’ Assembly showed what that can look like in practice: people coming together to shape decisions that reflect the city they live in. This city is what we make it, so get involved and let's do this Brizzle.

The vision we put forward

Our year of culture is our city’s response to a regional citizen-led cultural delivery plan, which sets out how, “Culture here should represent all of us, our stories, our voices and our future.” Bristol’s identity is defined by civic energy and radical history, and culture is a key mechanism for connecting the diverse stories and perspectives of the city and wider region. From Brunel and balloons to Banksy, Bristol is known for industrial heritage, rebellion and innovation. From the Bristol Bus Boycott, which helped pave the way for the Race Relations Act, to our City of Sanctuary status, the city has played a defining role in the UK’s civil rights history. From the Quaker abolition movement and Methodism to the toppling of the Colston statue, Bristol’s cultural life is deeply rooted in social change. Alongside this, our fiercely independent, community-driven cultural scene, from Bristol Old Vic, Aardman and St Paul’s Carnival to Massive Attack and IDLES, makes Bristol a distinctive and internationally recognised cultural destination.

This bid has been shaped as a collaborative, sector-led proposal using the Advice Process. Our vision is ambitious and unique, informed by the UK’s first citizen-led Cultural Delivery Plan for the West of England Combined Authority, created through the 2025 Citizens’ Assembly for Culture. The Plan articulates a shared ambition for “a fair, creative and connected region where culture brings people together, belongs to everyone and strengthens our communities.” Our bid aligns with Bristol City Council’s Corporate Strategy’s vision to “work together for a sustainable and equitable Bristol that enables everyone to be safe and well and thrive”. As major developments such as Temple Quarter and Creative Growth reshape the city, our year of culture anchors change in inclusion, weaving together history, creativity and civic life in ways that strengthen communities and enhance our profile.

At a time of global uncertainty, this UK City of Culture journey allows Bristol to tell our story of Radical Inclusion and a local-to-global city, rooted in justice and fairness, amplifying the voices we hear from least. Themes have been defined in response to the citizens’ cultural delivery plan, and reflect themes shared across the UK’s four nations; belonging, migration, climate justice and creative resistance. Building on the Assembly insights, our programme will invest in everyday cultural and civic infrastructure, skills development, and local creativity, alongside ambitious institutional work, to weave together the combination of stories, interventions and approaches that makes Bristol a very exciting place to live and visit.

Bristol’s cultural ecosystem extends beyond the city into the wider West of England, and our City of Culture year will connect festivals, heritage, creative industries and networks across the region and UK, using shared corridors and connectors - from rivers and music to digital innovation and emerging talent - to bring communities and sectors together and create a shared moment to imagine a better future through culture.

Badliana is a Bristol-based artist known for her dark sound that merges grime, rap, and alternative R&B with haunting vocals. Supported by BBC Radio 1, BBC 1XTRA, and BBC Introducing, she is currently part of Big Team's Next Level program.

Ahead of this Sunday's International Women's Day edition of  Seedling Sessions, we’re getting to know some of the artists at the heart of Bristol’s evolving grassroots music scene.

With women and non-binary talent still disproportionately underrepresented across festival line-ups, senior industry roles and technical fields, platforms like Seedling Sessions remain vital spaces for visibility and advocacy.

Ahead of the show, we caught up with Badliana, talk about her creative journeys, the people who inspire them, and what performing at this International Women’s Day edition means to them.

Hi, we're so excited to have you, let's start off by telling us a bit about yourself. How would you describe your sound in a sentence or less?

Badlina: I would describe my sound as emotionally charged, slightly ethereal with a darker undertone.

Seedling Sessions has a legacy of spotlighting emerging talent. What does performing at this International Women’s Day edition of the event mean to you personally as an artist?

B: It feels really special to be a part of such a great day alongside other amazing artists and I'm really looking forward to it.

This year’s event shines a light on women working both on stage and behind the scenes. Who are the women or NB mentors, local or otherwise, who’ve helped you grow on your artistic journey?

B: I'd like to give a shout-out to my good friend Charlie France, a friend of mine and a director who I've worked with over the years, who's been a massive support of mine and encouraged me a lot in my artistic journey. I'd also like to give a shout-out to Gabby, my mentor and teacher, who's been a massive support over the years, too. And of course, Saffron Records, they played a massive part in my launch into Badliana and without them I wouldn't have been able to release my debut EP. So I'm very grateful for them. Thank you very much.

The UK music industry still faces significant gender inequalities, from festival line-ups to roles in production and engineering. What changes do you feel are most urgently needed, and what can be done to help push that change forward?

B: I've seen how mentorship and support from people in the industry can make a huge difference. Programs that amplify the voices often overlooked can create real change for the next generation of musicians.

For audiences discovering you for the first time, what message or feeling do you hope they leave with after your performance?

B: I hope people leave my show feeling empowered, cute and fun.

Seedling Sessions was created to nurture new voices. What advice would you give to young women and gender-diverse creatives starting out today, especially those navigating barriers in the grassroots music scene?

B: Some advice that I would give to other artists would be keep going, keep learning and keep growing. Embrace the challenges and stay open to new experiences and always be your biggest cheerleader.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

B: I would like to say come to the Trinity Centre on the 8th of March for a sexy, badass show. Woo!

Come and catch Badliana, RED and Moxie Dolls this Sunday at Seedling Sessions: Celebrating Women in Music.