Credit: Mikaela Loach/Charlie Hyams

In March 2022 Trinity are hosting The Final Frontier, a two-day festival that will explore Bristol’s activism and the connection between art and activism that has affected change on a global scale.

Environmental activist Mikaela Loach, who famously took the UK oil industry to the High Courts in 2021, will share their story of using collective action to ensure that the government is held to account for their response to the climate crisis.

Other guests include Bristol ‘artists and activists’ Doug Francis (Invisible Circus) Chris Chalkley (PRCS) and Michelle Curtis whose iconic paintings of ‘The Seven Saints of St Paul’s challenged stereotypes of the African Caribbean community that make the central Bristol ward their home; comedian, programmer, and tutor Angie Belcher (Aftermirth) & Stockholm Fringe favourite, the ever bold poet, performer, producer Isadora Vibes.

Throughout both days there will be workshops running that attendees can sign up to on the day. These include Hip-Hop, poetry, up-cycling fashion and an opportunity to help make a 'banner for Bristol' as well as an exhibition of artwork that uses creativity as a form of activism, including famous Bristol protest artworks.

Click here to book your tickets

Art of Resistance is a two-year, National Heritage Lottery Funded project charting 100 years of protest in Bristol.

The camera has long played a vital role in producing alternative narratives and creating a counter point to mainstream depictions.  Image from 'Activism Through the Lens' credit Khali Ackford/ Trinity Community Arts

Bristol based photographer Khali Ackford came to prominence following his powerful photographs capturing the spirit of the Black Lives Matters movement in the city. The events of which led to the toppling of Colston and a ripple effect around the globe.

“I’d seen his work and know the level of work that he brings across – that was the main attraction, to aspire to get to that level.” Zack, participant of Activism Through the Lens

In autumn 2021, as part of the Heritage Lottery funded project Art of Resistance, Trinity commissioned Khali to create a hands-on workshop series that would explore the role of photography in challenging the dominant narrative and highlight its power to support marginalised voices.

Khali designed the programme to introduce participants to his own journey as a photographer and offered opportunities to connect with his peers, including bringing leading artists/activists to sessions. He supported the group with key technical skills such as tips for shooting with DSLR’s, how to capture the spirit of protests through a lens, as well as shooting in a studio environment.

The programme included a mini-personal project, whereby participants used the skills they had learnt to create studio images that amplified the issues that were most passionate to them including the role and dedication of front-line NHS staff during the pandemic.

Art of Resistance continues to offer a programme of events and activities throughout 2022, including The Final Frontier, a two-day festival in March. The Festival features Mikaela Loach, who famously took the UK oil industry to the High Courts in 2021, as well as Bristol ‘artists and activists’ Doug Francis (Invisible Circus) Chris Chalkley (PRCS) and Michelle Curtis whose iconic paintings of ‘The Seven Saints of St Paul’s challenged stereotypes of the African Caribbean community that make the central Bristol ward their home. Click here to buy tickets.

Children from Hannah Moore Primary at a Forest School Session, children from the school will be taking part in the project

Trinity has teamed up with arts organisation Take A Part to deliver a community arts research project with local school children and their parents/carers.

Take A Part work collaboratively with communities using creativity as a catalyst for change, aiming to re-balance social injustices and models of collective action. In this project, made possible through the Cultural Recovery Fund, they are looking at ways to increase and understand 'cultural democracy'.

The project was developed in late 2021 and runs until Apr 2022. Take a Part are currently delivering creative activities and workshops in which children/carers are exploring what culture they enjoy and what issues matter to them. Alongside this, they will be going on group trips to visit organisations such as Spike Island and The Bristol Museum, meeting staff and volunteers and having an opportunity to ask questions and see behind the scenes of some of the biggest cultural venues in the city.

The project also aims to evidence the ways in which engaging in culture can support more families at the school, who have been separated by Covid19, to reconnect and build new relationships with one another.

The project will culminate in a public exhibition at Trinity on 21 April that will be curated and designed by the children. In this children will be supported to be both artist and curator and to show their work, findings and thoughts to the community.

We will be sharing photos and updates of the projects on our socials throughout the project. Keep an eye out here.

Making Tracks music programme for young people

Making Tracks 2018-2022

Making Tracks was a four-year music making project delivered by Trinity in partnership with Basement Studios and ACE.

We worked with young people challenging personal circumstances offering space and guidance to develop their skills and confidency through music-making.

Activities included 1-2-1 and groups sessions delivered by professional musicians working in the industry, covering a wide range of music from guitar and bass to rap and post-production.

Trinity works in partnership with pupil referral units, schools and organisations to provide regular support and guidance, to help young people re-engage with school, find internships, work placements, employment opportunities or to go onto higher and further education.

90% of young people taking part in Making Tracks saw an improvement in their musical practise and 85% reported that they have improved confidence and self-esteem.

Making Tracks was supported by Youth Music and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, as well as support from match funders Youth Sector Support Fund.

If you are a young person who would like to take part in music making activities at Trinity or if you know a young person who would like to take part, please get in touch.

Anti-Harassment Statement

Everyone has the right to a self-expression and to not feel harassed because of who they are. At the Trinity Centre, our staff and volunteers aim to create a safe, relaxed environment for people to enjoy themselves and have positive social/cultural experiences. We want to make sure The Trinity Centre is a safe space where everyone can:

• be themselves free from hatred and harassment
• enjoy music, art and freedom of expression

If someone is harassed within our venue we want to know about this so we can take action. Our anti-harassment procedure is designed to support victims of harassment to feel safe and supported and to enable our staff to be able to take swift action to protect people from harm.

If you see or experience any unwanted attention, contact, bullying, harassment, or behaviour of any kind that makes you uncomfortable, please speak out and notify our staff immediately.

Sexual harassment, acts of aggression, racism, misogyny, transphobia, homophobia, religious bigotry or hatred and discrimination of any kind are not permitted. Anyone committing such acts will be removed from the venue.

If you would like to share feedback or report an experience please speak to a member of staff during the event, or after an event please email info@trinitybristol.org.uk or call 0117 935 1200 and ask to speak to our Safeguarding Officer in confidence. For more information, please see our Anti-Harassment Policy.

#ItsNotOK

Photo: Apple N Spice

Head to Trinity this Spring to get involved with a new season of theatre and dance featuring shows that amplify stories from across the UK and beyond, creating a picture of life in modern Britain.

From shadow puppetry inspired by Indian culture to spoken word, this season is one of highs, laughs and - as always - conversations.

"I loved this from the moment I read this two cultures mixing together with singing and dance and audience participation, great one for the children to get involved in" Forum member feedback on Apple 'N Spice, showing 17th Feb 22

Launching with Apple 'N' Spice (17 Feb), an interactive dance and theatre show inspired by Snow White and Ramayana (an ancient Indian story).

On the Inside (25 Feb) by Untold Theatre transports audiences to a dystopian world where four people are trapped inside and forced to live together and their morals and values are thrown out of the window when their true selves begin to emerge...

Dry Season (06 Mar) is a spoken word show that takes a candid look at the impact of experiencing the menopause in your 30's.

Like Mercury (12 Mar) is a powerful new dance and music collaboration by Emma Houston and Bellatrix. Developed with support from Trinity, the show explores the idea of identity through a queer lens.

The Big Trinity Picnic (26 Mar) is a family show hosted by poet Simon Mole and musician Gecko who will perform alongside a very special invited guest poet and is perfect for children aged 7-11 and their families/carers.

About Trinity Presents

The shows where selected following an open call for artists and companies responding to the theme, 'art of resistance'.

Trinity's programming forum made up of community members and independent representatives chose six shows to feature as part of our latest season of in-house programming.

This work is part of Trinity's commitment to amplifying the diverse voices of groups and communities who make UK culture today. To read more about what this means, see: #67MillionVoices.

All tickets are priced as 'pay what you can' starting at £7 + bf and all shows will feature a BSL interpreter.

Trinity stand in solidarity with the Bristol DIY Arts Network and call to keep Culture at ‘arm's length’

Arts organisations from Bristol have come together to create #67MillionVoices, to raise awareness of the possible risks to the future of creative freedom of expression in the arts.

As many were buried in the National Portfolio application, the newly launched Reviews of Public Bodies programme announced it will examine the operations of all arm’s-length bodies in England - including the Arts Council, the BFI, the National Lottery Community Fund and Historic England - to assess whether "they should be abolished or retained" (The Stage, 16 May 2022)

The UK have always held a firm ‘at arms length’ stance to the arts and heritage sector. Over the last two years, pressures from the 'Common Sense Group' has  sought to reduce this independence, and have lobbied the Government step in and take action against charities and arts organisations whose work is not in keeping with 'British values'.

What does it mean to be British and who should get to decide?

DIY believe diversity is strength. It makes our art better, our heritage stories richer and Britain greater.

It is the job of arts and heritage charities to reflect on our past and recontextualise history for audiences in the present day.

The presentation of narratives counter to those that we may be more familiar with is not about, ‘doing Britain down’. Instead, this provides us with an enriched learning environment and builds a more accurate picture of what it means to be British today.

This freedom of expression is critical to the arts and enables us to celebrate our diversity.

Here's how to support this work:

✔  Keep culture 'at arm's length' #KeepItArmsLength #HandsOffOurHeritage

✔  Uphold the Human Rights Act #ProtectHumanRightsAct

✔  Protect freedom of expression #ProtectFreedomofExpression

✔Write to you MP, download a template letter

✔Amplify #67MillionVoices on social media

✔ Get Informed – read the online timeline of events so far

#67millionvoices make culture - use yours today

Bristol DIY Arts Network is an independent gathering of arts organisations and arts practitioners, large and small, who deliver cultural programmes within the city of Bristol. We meet regularly to advocate for the sector and to discuss and inform policy.

Image credit: Docklands Community Centre/Full Circle

Dubbed by agencies across the voluntary sector as, ‘The Great British Sell-Off’, our shared heritage and civic assets, community and youth centres, libraries and public green spaces are being lost as part of the council funding crisis.

Bristol City Council’s 2022-23 budget announcement is framed with the proviso that further cuts will be needed to plug a £19.5m deficit. This includes, “£3.5m by reviewing the buildings we own across all services.” With the statue debate still raging nationally, we’re sleepwalking into a future that, even prior to the pandemic, has already stripped Bristol of £30m worth of publicly owned assets.

"If we continue to deplete our supply of places where we can read our first book, become a Scout, learn a language or a new dance move or play Bingo in our retirement, we’ll continue down the pathway to polarisation."

The challenge is not in making such spaces loved, it’s in making them viable. We neglect the leaking community centre, or the inaccessible library, whilst trying to ‘level-up’, through investing in ‘transformative’ projects where the cost of the economic impact assessment alone would cover repairs and alterations across community spaces citywide. It’s hard to see how the building of an Arena or a multi-million concert hall refurb compensates us for the loss of the places where we connect with one another, make memories and build our sense of place and belonging in our everyday lives.

As costs of a few projects escalate to keep pace with aspiration, this increases the distance between the ‘viable’ and ‘non-viable’ spaces. If you’re a charity running a building, it’s almost impossible not to get caught on the capital conveyor belt to nowhere, in which we all chase an unattainable vision of the perfect building. Often, like Trinity, it’s what we’re legally constituted to “preserve” our asset. This means, even with the best intentions, we can end up leaving behind our stakeholders and our communities in the pursuit of building back better.

When we get swept up in the notion that a capital project is the priority above all else, we lose sight of the thing that makes buildings important in the first place; it’s the empty space within and the energy it’s filled with that matters more than the bricks and mortar.

We want to make Trinity the best venue it can be, just not at the expense of other venues or those who need the building in the first place and who have been happy using it even at its shabbiest. Balancing the need to future-proof and make a viable and sustainable Centre, whilst taking others with us and ensuring any investment is felt beyond our four walls.

This is why we produced the 100 Beacons report in partnership with other venues and the Council to evidence the contribution of Bristol’s community assets, including the critical role they’ve played in providing local services as part of the COVID19 response.

As part of Bristol’s One City Plan, early indications are a commitment from the Council to invest in improvements to concessionary lettings, such as those referenced in our report. This could provide a lifeline to buildings owned by the city and managed on our behalf. As the budget is still in draft form, we still don’t yet know how this will translate into money to make neighbourhood hubs useable, accessible, green and COVID-Secure. However, this is at least an example of what can be achieved if we work together on what matters to people, to ensure spaces are retained for community use for the benefit of ourselves and future generations.

If we continue to deplete our supply of places where we can read our first book, become a Scout, learn a language or a new dance move or play Bingo in our retirement, we’ll continue down the pathway to polarisation. Such catastrophic loss to communities makes it easy to develop false attachments to an effigy of a slaver not designed with us in mind, whilst increasing our resentment towards those we see as encroaching on any space we feel we have left, be it the immigrant or the gentrifier.

If only those advocating to preserve commemorative statues put even a fraction of that energy into campaigning to save their local heritage asset or civic space, volunteer at their local community or youth centre, or set up a regular social activity in their local library we’d all feel the positive effects. As we continue to navigate the isolating impact of a period of successive restrictions, it’s the spaces that reduce the distance between us that help us to level-up, culturally, socially and economically.

Emma Harvey, CEO

Read the report: A Community Canvas - building the case for community infrastructure 2022 - 2026

Spilt Ink developed Home at Trinity in collaboration with local school children

Spilt Ink Theatre, a trio of performers who specialise in movement, clowning and puppetry, created a new piece of work for children through a paid Trinity commission. The company worked in collaboration with a local school to develop a movement piece called 'Home’ - a piece that would celebrate the many cultural heritages of children in Bristol.

"My 4-year-old was totally engaged, repeating the keywords from the main character. She even wrote her own letter!"

Split Ink embedded themselves in the school. Many children felt anxious at first, having recently experienced disruption due to Lockdown restrictions however, through small group workshops, games and storytelling activities the children increased their confidence. As part of the journey children shared their own stories, many of whom had experienced the themes explored in Home, such as experiencing migration.

The final part of the development of the work saw the company inviting the children, their teachers and their families to Trinity to see a preview of the performance Summer 2021. As part of the post-show discussion the children shared their own insight into the themes of flight, home and belonging.

Having developed the seed of Home, Spilt Ink are now in the process of realising this into a full length children’s performance to be completed in collaboration with local school children and presented at Trinity in 2022.

“Being able to use Trinity free of charge has enabled us to keep running the art and craft drop-ins even with a very limited budget, reaching a greater number of disabled people.” WECIL

We believe activities are most successful when they're led by those by who use the services.

Our Community Kickstart scheme supports inspired individuals in our communities who have an idea and the passion to start an activity that is lacking in the community or neighbourhood. The scheme gives local residents free space, support and seed-funding to get new neighbourhood activities off the ground.

Kickstart is open to groups that are not in receipt of funding and do not have access to regular space to deliver their activity. Activities can include a dance, arts or fitness class, a community meeting or network event, a regular tea morning or an advice group or workshop.

Through Kickstart, we've launched new regular groups and classses such as Gentle Dance, which was set up in 2010 with support from LinkAge Bristol. With Trinity’s support, the group has become self-managing and sustainable, with 30+ regular participants each week, helping to improve health and well-being for over 55s through regular dance activity.

To qualify for our Kickstart scheme you have to be:

We are what you make us, so #makethespace and #getinvolved

Like Mercury Residency Bellatrix and Emma Houston Dance Collective. Photo credit Khali Ackford

Newtown 50th Anniversary street party. Photo credit Newtown Network

Joy Crookes. Photo credit Khali Ackford

Family garden sessions Oct 2021. Photo credit Trinity Community Arts

Trinity Impact infographic. Apr 2021-Sep 2022

We have been so grateful for the support of funders, donors, members, artists, audiences, volunteers, the team and everyone who has been involved in Trinity's journey this year.

We were able to adapt our programme so communities were able to access arts and culture through these challenging times.

Respond. We programmed activities for 625 children, young people and families, including Forest School, family garden days, 1-2-1/small group bespoke music provision and skills-based workshops.

“These young people can have some much-needed downtime, in a safe space, with supporting adults. Many of them have described the Wednesday night sessions as a lifeline” Helen Peder Refugee Council | Children’s Adviser (Bristol)

Amplify. Through Art of Resistance, we celebrated the role of creativity in some of the key social movements of the last 100 years, programming nine events and project-based activities attended by over 274 people.

Empower. We provided 285 paid opportunities for artists, companies and freelance event staff alongside five entry-level roles at Trinity, paid at the Real Living Wage.

Community partners were able to re-launch regular activities at the Centre, such as Hype Dance and Gerry’s Attic dance groups. We also supported Aid Box, Black Creatives and St Mungos to set up new regular groups, providing services and activities for some of those most in need during the continuing pandemic.

48 volunteers helped to deliver activities and mobilise others. This included gardening sessions in our community garden and a neighbourhood celebration event in August with a new ‘Newtown Network’ of local residents.

We welcomed back live music/club nights inside the building. With sell-out performances from Sam Fender, Teachings in Dub and Black Midi.

Over 2600 people came along to our in-house programme, Trinity Presents. From taking part in lively discussions about Soundsystem Culture (Roots, Reggae and Resistance) to experiencing Roxana Vilk's immersive Trinity take over (Lullabies Celebration) to sit-down-raving in our pop up venue early in the year.

Finally, we’re looking forward to welcoming back Caring in Bristol for their Caring at Christmas day shelter, Dec 24-30, providing a warm welcome, hot meal and good company for those experiencing homelessness and hardship this Christmas

Thank you to everyone for being part of this amazing journey, we could not have done this without you.

Newtown street party in Aug 2021

Newtown is one of Trinity's closest neighbours, tucked between the Bristol – Bath Cycle Path and Clarence Road.  Many of the families in Newtown have lived there for several generations, creating a strong feeling of community and belonging. Newtown Network is a local grassroots community organisation that is working to improve the quality of life for residents and “putting Newtown on the map!”.

“Newtown Network connects the dots that wasn’t there before. I’m excited for the developments and regeneration that are going to happen in Newtown” Deborah Benjamin, Newtown Network

Deborah Benjamin, Newtown resident and chair of the Newtown Network, sees the role of the organisation to “address frustrations felt by residents who continue to feel disconnected from the investment that many other areas of Bristol have experienced, which they feel has led to high rates of crime and anti-social behaviour, leaving many residents feeling isolated.”

The Network are using creativity as a catalyst for change, delivering community projects, activities and events so that community members can feel heard, connected and empowered to influence their own future.

Newtown Network are valued members of Trinity and as part of our ongoing commitment to support grassroots organisations we have been working with them to offer support for the delivery and planning of their events

In August 2021 Trinity joined forces with Newtown Network to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Newtown with an (excellent) street party, steered by Newtown Network chair Deborah Benjamin and supported by artists Amy Rose and Jess Meadows from Mobile Urban Community Collaborations (MUCC). Over 75 residents came along, taking part in creative workshops, live performances as well as information stands from local organisations including the Salvation Army, Trinity Tabernacle Church, Lawrence Hill Health Centre and youth centre Baggator.

In October 2021 Newtown Network hosted the ‘Unsung Heroes – Give Thankz Celebration’ at Trinity. This event celebrated the local heroes who have contributed to their local communities. Guest speakers at the event included local poet Zed Regal and Joy Gardiner-Johnson who gave a presentation on the ‘Art of Headwraps’ and how they appear in different cultures.

Since November 2021, the Newtown Network have been collaborating with Trinity’s Resident Artist, Michelle Roche, to deliver the ‘Newtown Wishlist’ a series of creative happenings in Newtown in 2021/2022.  Residents who would like to take part in the project can meet Michelle for a cup of tea (and cake) at Rosevear House on Wednesdays 10 am – 12 pm.

If you would like to get involved or keep up-to-date with events and activities happening in Newtown get in touch with Deborah Benjamin (Newtown Network) newtownlive20@outlook.com or sign up to Trinity’s Community newsletter.

Trinity features in a film created by Bristol City Council, showcasing organisations in the city who are certified Real Living Wage Employers.

The film features Trinity team members Rhiannon Jones (Programme Director) and Jamell Ackford (Venue Manager) alongside Ben Openshaw and Harry Lewis who are both employed on a six-month internship as part of the DWP's Kickstart Scheme.

"Paying the Real Living Wage means we can support our workforce who, if we retain and nurture, will become future cultural decision-makers." Emma Harvey, CEO, Trinity Community Arts

Trinity became a Real Living Wage Employer in 2020, providing employees a fair, entry-level wage, calculated independently based on living costs.

Trinity believes that the best workforce is a diverse workforce and that by paying people a fair wage the opportunity to choose a career in the cultural sector is not limited to those who can afford to take on low paid internships.

Trinity joins over 65 Bristol employers, including Quirky Campers and Hargreaves Lansdown, as a certified Real Living Wage organisation, contributing to the nearly 2,500 employees who have seen an increase in their wages relevant to their day-to-day living costs. Find out more about Bristol City Council's commitment to becoming a Real Living Wage City here.

Forest school workshops with local schools and artist Alice Cunningham

The Bird Bath is carved in Ancaster Weatherbed stone by artist Alice Cunningham

Trinity commissioned Bristol artist Alice Cunningham to create a bird bath sculpture as part of the recent improvements to the community garden.

"I liked exploring the garden and being able to build up trust with my team because before we started I did not have trust in them" Baraka, workshop participant, St Nicholas of Tolentine primary school.

Carved in Ancaster Weatherbed stone, the bird bath is in memory to Bunty Bax, following a legacy donation by her daughter Amelia. Amelia’s legacy gift donation contributed towards creating an accessible outdoor space including new pathways, raised planters and a sensory nature trail.

As part of the making of the bird bath, Bristol-based sculptor, Alice, also delivered workshops with 12 local children from Hannah More and St Nicholas of Tolentine Primary Schools who attend Forest School sessions at Trinity. The children explored different types of homes and nests in nature and then used clay to create their own sculptures.

We are really grateful to be able to complete this round of improvements to the garden creating an accessible inner-city garden for all to enjoy. The improvements have been funded by Power to Change, match funders and Amelia’s legacy gift donation.

Local children took part in What I Want To Be, What I Want to See in April 2021

In 2021 we asked the people of Bristol to tell us their hopes and dreams for the future as part of our ambitious community arts project, What I Want To Be, What I Want To See.

Trinity collected over 70 responses that ranged from a community mural, celebrating heroes, a daily protest, listening posts of voices we should listen to - young & old, a playlist for Newtown, a silent disco, a place for tea and cake, a zine to remind us ‘how to be nice’ and a day of art and dolphins.

In Autumn 2021 we sent an open call for an artist, collective or company to creatively respond to these. The successful project The Wish List by artist Michelle Roche was selected by Trinity’s programming forum. The forum, are made up of local residents, Trinity Members and regular groups and classes, chose Michelle’s project as it connected with the local community in a fun and playful way.

Working with grassroots organisation, Newtown Network, The Wish List will make the hopes and dreams, collected during the call out, a reality by co-creating creative happenings with local communities this December and January.

Newtown Coffee Mornings Throughout December local residents joined artist Michelle Roche for a cup of tea coffee and cake and creative activities.

Catch sight of The Newtown Dolphin Parade

In January keep an eye out through the curtains and look for the Dolphin Lantern parade that will take place in the streets on Newtown.

Get involved:

If you would like some further information on the project contact Stefan Boakye on stefan@trinitybristol.org.uk

“As we have struggled with funding...The doors of the Trinity Centre have always been open to us.”

Simi Chowdhry, Director, Awaz Utaoh

Awaz Utaoh weekly women's group at Trinity

In memory of life and work of community leader Simi Chowdhry, who sadly passed in November 2021, we look back on the work of our charity partner Awaz Utaoh, who ran a weekly Asian women's support group at Trinity for over a decade...

Awaz Utaoh means 'raise your voice' - founded in 1998, the charity sought to engage women from across Bristol's South Asian community of any religion.Each Wednesday until 2019, Trinity's Main Hall was filled with music, dancing, food and fun, thanks to Awaz Utaoh's weekly well-being and empowerment workshops and activities for Asian women of all faiths and backgrounds.

From Zuumba to gardening, language classes to safety courses, the group provided vital support for South Asian women to improve their health and well-being.

The group was supported via Trinity's Community Kickstart scheme until the retirement of Simi, the charity's founder, who sadly passed away in November 2021.

Lowkey, Photo Khali Ackford

Leading UK hip-hop artist, Lowkey is renowned for using spoken word and music as a form of activism and amplification. He was at Trinity to share the story of his journey as an activist/artist as part of Art of Resistance, a two-year Heritage Lottery project exploring creative acts of resistance.

Before the event, Lowkey kindly joined students from Trinity’s music making project, Making Tracks, to chat about how he entered into his musical making career, the challenges he has faced, and some top-tips for the emerging musicians.

“I found this advice really helpful and I've since tried to begin putting some of it into action. Lowkey also spent some time talking about how to stay motivated and keep up a consistent creative output, and how important consistency over time can be to develop a career in any creative industry.” Feedback from Jo Joyce-Venables, who is currently on a six-month placement at Trinity, as part of the Kickstarter scheme.

Lowkey shared some helpful advice on self-promoting, sharing his own story of how to use different methods of finding audiences online and keeping them engaged, using the technology and resources that are available today. Many students, including Jasper, found his tips on using Patreon and other online platforms useful, commenting "It was really good that Lowkey gave us a few insider tips such as using Patreon."

We are really grateful to Lowkey for taking the time to chat with students. Connecting emerging musicians directly to professionals is an important part of young people’s journey on Making Tracks. Lowkey joins the likes of Benjamin Zephaniah and Dev (Idles) who have all offered their support to the project and the young people’s journey.

Making Tracks

Making Tracks is supported by Youth Music and using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, as well as support from match funders Youth Sector Support Fund.

Like Mercury rehearsal 2021 photo credit Khali Ackford

Trinity has been awarded £163k through the third round of the Cultural Recovery Fund, meaning that Trinity can continue to #behereforculture.

"We are really pleased to have the continued support of the Cultural Recovery Fund, the funding enables us to keep on reaching communities through culture and create a robust platform for which Trinity can thrive, now and in the future" Mijanou Blech, Chair of Trustees, Trinity Community Arts

Since April 2021, with the support of CRF round two, Trinity has employed/paid over 230 artists and freelance event staff. This third successful round of funding will enable Trinity to continue this commitment to the cultural workforce and the creative sector.

Alongside this, the grant will enable Trinity to continue to adapt the business in response to COVID19 and implement the long-term changes to the organisation to have a viable business model post-pandemic. The support from the Cultural Recovery fund will bridge a vital gap in income generation while revenue streams such as the Pay & Display Car Park, community and private hire, continue to recover from the impact of COVID-19.

The grant will be allocated to cover Trinity’s core costs (November 2021 – January 2022), including staffing and the maintenance of the Trinity Centre, a Grade II* Listed building, plus external fees including artist and partner commissioning develop a viable and sustainable programme for 2022 onward.

We were thrilled to hear we have received funding thanks to the government’s #CultureRecoveryFund so that we can continue to be here for you and #HereForCulture

About the Cultural Recovery Fund

Here for Culture is a movement that unites the public, government and cultural organisations in support of our fantastic cinemas, theatres, music venues, museums, galleries and heritage. Whether on the global stage or quietly in our own lives, culture inspires, uplifts, comforts and entertains us. In these challenging times, it’s our turn to continue to provide a lifeline and show our support. Everybody should have the opportunity to access a wide-range of high-quality cultural experiences, which is why it is so important that we support arts and cultural venues, cinemas and heritage sites in local communities to survive and thrive.

Lullabies performance. Photo Khali Ackford

Lullabies, created by multi-disciplinary artist Roxana Vilk, reached out and connected with communities across Bristol, recording and collecting songs from the many people who call Bristol home.

“Sharing lullabies is deep and private because you end up talking about your past, your motherhood, your mothering and your mother." Participant Lullabies

Initially developed during an IGNITE residency the project was selected to be part of the national project Here and Now to celebrate the National Lottery 25th Anniversary. Initially, Roxana worked with partners deliver song and music workshops in local community centres. However, due to the impact of the pandemic Roxana moved these workshops online meaning her project began to connect with people across the world.

Roxana used the sounds and stories of the people taking part in the project to influence the project. This saw a one person who initially took part in a workshop became a collaborator, helping in the delivery of the music-based workshops.

To celebrate Lullabies, Roxana staged a two day Trinity take over. She collaborated with tech-creatives Squidsoup to create an immersive, interactive performance inspired by the Lullabies journey with movement from dancers Delicia and Marianna, Real World Studios, Arron Hussain.

Bristol-based illustrator, Jasmine Thompson created portraits of some the families who took part in Lullabies exhibited and outside in the garden DJ’s staged a Baby Rave for the youngest members of our communities (plus their grownups).

Roxana is further developing her creative practice working with Bristol and Bath Creative R+D to further explore the Lullabies Project and is developing an ‘Adaptative Podcast’ with brand new technology featuring the co-creators Lullabies.

Projects like Lullabies are at the heart of Trinity’s commitment to artistic development.  We offer paid commissions to artists to develop work in collaboration with communities as well as artist residencies, free/subsided hire for R&D and producer and marketing support.

Sign up to Trinity’s free course to gain skills and knowledge necessary for documenting art and activism.

Programmed as part of Art of Resistance this course is an opportunity to explore Bristol’s radical history. If you are interested in Bristol's rich history of resistance and how to document and how to share this story, this course is for you.

Art of Resistance is an exploration of activist art produced by activists through the ages with a focus on the following themes: Women’s Equality, Environmental Activism, Anti-Fascism/anti-racism, Workers' Rights and 'Counterculture' - Bristol's free-party scene and occupy movement.

By taking part in this FREE course, we hope you will discover the rich resources as part of our shared history, which are freely and publicly available in Bristol's archives.

Our aim through this intro course to activism research is to build a team of volunteer researchers who can help us discover the stories, images and artefacts to grow an Art of Resistance archive.

Each listing below is for a 2hr physical site visit - further info to be provided on registration.

Wed, 17 Nov, 2pm – Course series launch at Trinity

Come meet the team and other people taking part in the series and find out more about art activism.

Tues, 23 Nov, 1:30pm – MShed site-visit

A curator-led journey of the objects and exhibitions that tell the story of activism in Bristol.

Sat, 27 Nov, 1:30pm - 3:30pm - Oral history training day at Trinity

Oral history has an important role in telling the story of Art Activism this session will be a practical hands-on guide to collecting oral history testimonials.

Mon, 29 Nov, 11am - Bristol Records Office visit

Find out where Bristol's radical history is stored and how to access it.

Mon, 6 Dec, 10 am - Central Library visit

Join the team at Bristol Central Library to uncover activism history stored in their vaults.

Click here to register for the series.

About Art of Resistance

Art of Resistance is a two-year National Lottery Heritage Funded exploring 100 years of social activism, protest and civil disobedience in Bristol and the art that underpinned each movement.