Women Wise - photo credit Richard Worts

I have so far created work which has women’s mental health as its core theme.  This is such an important subject to me and I believe I can raise further awareness and add to the debate through the dance theatre Untold creates.

Vicki Hearne

Vicki Hearne is a the creative director of Untold Dance Theatre, an all female intergenerational company based in Bristol. Untold strive to create entertaining, emotive, visceral and accessible dance theatre for all audiences.

As one of four IGNiTE 2018 Artists in Residence, Wicki worked with experienced and novice female dancers with an age range spanning 23 to 72 to explore the variables, similarities and differences in how the idea of perfection manifests itself at different stages of ones life.

As part of her residency Vicki created a new piece (working title) Practically Perfect. The project focsued on the idea of perfectionism, the journey to strive for this unattainable goal and how this affects women in particular.

Alongside this, Vicki continued to develop her outreach project: The Confidence Project, delivering movement and arts workshops to women.

We really liked her desire to explore the idea of perfection in an intergenerational dance project.

'Christenings, weddings, civil partnerships, wakes, parties’...whether as a church or community arts venue, Trinity has always been a space of unique celebration and commemoration. Writes Dr Edson Burton in his introduction to our newest heritage publication 'A Centre For Celebration'. The booklet is part of our Heart &Soul heritage project and is a collection of conversations with the many people who have celebrated in one way or another at Trinity over the years.

Abi & Jack's Wedding at Trinity Centre

"Everybody wanted to get married there at that Trinity Church. My Auntie Marge and Auntie Iris got married there, I was bridesmaid there. What I do remember is where the vicar used to stand, it was a lovely eagle that he had the Bible on that he used to read the service from." Gloria, recorded on 22nd August 2018

Designed by our awesome intern Tess Sieling (who alongside her archive work has spent the year blogging about the Heart & Soul project) the booklet presents a sample of weddings, wakes and parties spanning the life of Trinity. View the booklet in its full glory here, or you can pick up one of the limited printed copies from Trinity. Previous heritage projects include What's Your Trinity Story and Vice & Virtue.

Artist and Trinity Trustee Tom Marsham shares his thoughts on our Free Speech Policy during Trinity's Heart & Soul Celebration, October 2018 (photo @ Khali Ackford)

Centre Director, Emma Harvey, and Trustee and local artist, Tom Marshman, set out Trinity’s approach to free expression

As a community arts space, Trinity is committed to our core values of being a ‘Centre for the People’ and platforming work as part of our IGNiTE performing arts programme that represents and reflects our diverse communities.

This year I was lucky to hear Julia Farrington - Head of Arts at the Index on Censorship (IoC) - talk about about increasing risk-adversity within the arts. Polarisation, amplified by social media, can leave artists feeling scared to take risk and organisations reluctant to host artistic productions for fear of protest and risk to their own reputation and funding.

However, research published this week by the Arts Council England outlines, “long-term resilience of the arts and cultural sector requires adaptability to embrace innovation, the willingness and ability to accept risk and to see failure as a natural part of a vibrant ecosystem.”

If we are to achieve resilience - to not just survive, but thrive - then our collective ability to be bold and take risk is crucial.

Alesandra Suetin performs Ceci n’est pas Noire as part of Trinity's IGNiTE programme (photo @ Jessica Bartolini)

Sometimes this can be challenging, particularly when working with lots of different people where it is not always possible for everyone to see the world from the same perspective.

Ultimately, human beings will behind every decision and we won’t always get things right. Sometimes we will fail.

Knowing all this, grass-roots venues such as Trinity are vital in protecting freedom of expression; both for the benefits of artists and the resilience of the arts as a whole.

As a charity, we feel it is essential for us to demonstrate our commitment to freedom of expression through adopting a Free Speech Policy; to allow a space for artists and communities to come together, to take risks, to be bold, to maybe have some difficult conversations, but to eventually - hopefully - build commonality and unity.

Emma, Centre Director

“In working to sustain a thriving, vibrant and at times challenging cultural sector, there will be tricky decisions to make and the need to handle difference of opinion. In an increasingly complex world, the more that can be done to approach contention with courage and a zest for debate, the healthier our cultural and civic life.”

Regis Cochefert, Director of Paul Hamlyn Foundation

I am an Artist and a board member working predominantly in Bristol but also further afield, working with all types of organisations - from Watershed (where I am based at Pervasive media studio) to National Trust, Camden People’s Theatre, Zion Arts Centre. Mostly, I create theatre shows or performances.

Working so promiscuously with other venues has allowed me to see how other organisations operate and take inspiration from them - not only as a visiting artist, but also as a regular attendee of cultural events. As a trustee of Trinity, that is where I enjoy expressing my opinion.

I have been making work for almost 20 years, but I have never really worked inside an organisation until now, with Trinity in my capacity as board member and, even now, I am kind of an outsider. Being a board member feels as the benefit of having a reflection of the outsider and not too involved with the day-to-day.

When the Trinity team first talked about introducing a Free Speech Policy, its aspirations really connected with me; as an artist and someone that organises events, as a keen audience member and as a member of the board at Trinity.

I loved the way the policy helps us to be very transparent about what Trinity is and what it can be.

Our Free Speech Policy allows a space for artists and communities to come together and to take risks (photo of Daughters of the Curry Revolution @ Jessica Bartolini )

As an artist wanting to make challenging work, I have often come across uncertain faces when I try and make things happen. Coming into organisations, it can be quite confusing about where they stand. I like to be a bit of an agent provocateur - in my work with organisations this has often been sought out - where the organisation feels like they need to be more ‘risky’ - also, attempted to water-down or push-back when they worry they might upset or offend their regular audience. I also feel like now, with the way things are social media, this can really quickly shut things down.

Trinity’s policy is really exciting because it says, ‘we’re prepared for your questions and we want to help all sorts of different people, who want to come to Trinity and make stuff happen here.’

It is important to represent people who not only inhabit, but help shape this city.

Tom Marshman, Trustee/Artist

Read Trinity’s Free Speech Statement here.

Further reading: What's Next? Guidance on Meeting Ethical & Reputational Challenges, 2016

We welcomed Wilbert Smith from Heritage Lottery Fund to the celebration

Andy Council's Trinity Fox finds a home in the main hall

We opened up Trinity so all could have a look around - here participants from The Democratic Set check out The Visible Girls exhibition

Heart & Soul intern Tess chats with attendees at the celebration

Trinity member Stacey from Up Our Street places her vote

Trinity Centre Director Emma Harvey talks about the Heart & Soul project

Simi from Awaz, a weekly community group held at Trinity takes a moment to say thank you

Volunteer Rob's History of Trinity music set awed us all

Love this album? Then check out our Facebook for more photos.

Team Trinity have teamed up with Caring in Bristol to open Trinity during Christmas

We have joined forces with Caring in Bristol to open up Trinity during Christmas for their annual Caring At Christmas Project.

Caring at Christmas has been supporting homeless and vulnerable people over the Christmas period for over 30 years. It provides day and night time support offering shelter, food, clothing and social activities for people in need in our city during what can be a particularly difficult time of year for many. The project relies on support from volunteers and is funded almost entirely by public donations. For 2018, there are over 1000 volunteering opportunities.

“We’re really excited to be working with the Trinity Centre for our 2018 Caring at Christmas project. Separating out our day centre and night shelter will enable us to better support the wide-ranging needs of the many different people that use our project over Christmas. Caring in Bristol believe in city-wide solutions to dealing with homelessness and partnering with a fantastic community centre, such as the Trinity Centre is a brilliant way to support our mission. It demonstrates the ways community partners can get involved and help provide meaningful solutions to one of the biggest issues facing our city today.” Assistant Director, Lisa Spice

Caring at Christmas has historically run both its day centre and night shelter from the Julian Trust’s building in St Pauls, taking over the building and adding extra support and beds whilst the Julian Trust’s night shelter closes for Christmas. For the 2018 project, Caring in Bristol are partnering with the us to run Caring at Christmas here during the day.

The day centre will be open to guests from 24th – 28th December from 10am - 6pm

Caring in Bristol need the help of the city to support the project and people in need over the Christmas period. If you want to organise a fundraiser then we want to hear from you! Get in touch with fundraising@caringinbristol.org.uk. You can also donate to Caring in Bristol via their website.

Caring in Bristol are also looking for engaged community members to join our growing team of volunteers.They are currently recruiting for Caring at Christmas volunteers: please visit their website to apply.

Viki Browne during her residency at the University of Gloucester

I tend to work from what feels like the most difficult or sticky area of my thinking and whenever I’m like: ‘No, I’m not going there’, I’m like: ‘Oh, here we go! Viki Browne

Viki Browne is a performance artist who creates work about topics that are uncomfortable, risky or taboo.

As part of her 2018 IGNiTE artist residency, Viki focused on developing a new project Hyper Fem which considers whether the performance of femininity through drag can be as powerful, political or subversive when performed on a female identifying body.

The new piece was strongly inspired by some of her recent previous projects which involved wigs, Drag and performing as a "make up girl in a tiny dress".

Hyper Fem challenges restrictive gender norms dictated and commodified by the patriarchy.

How Viki describes her work:
“I thought: ‘I like that, I want that, I don’t know why it feels really naughty and forbidden. This is really difficult and feels very against my personal feminism. So I started making work about that. That’s what I’m bringing to IGNiTE – furthering my thinking about the performance of femininity and wether that can be a political and subversive performance, particularly if femininity is positioned on a female body”

In October 2018 we completed our major repair work programme to restore and conserve the Trinity Centre.

We have since reopened our 24hr Pay & Display car park, offering 75 car parking spaces around the building, including accessible parking bays (indicated in red) for visitors to the Centre and wider city as well as people working locally.

Pay & display revenue generated helps to fund Trinity's charitable activities. This includes supporting community and voluntary groups with free and subsidised hall space. Groups include Gerry’s Attic - dance class for older people, dance classes for people living with Parkinson’s and WECIL’s monthly peer support for disabled adults.

“I’m 75 and still dancing – this means so much in term of fitness, socialising and even mental fitness. This wouldn’t be possible without Trinity – who provide amazing spaces for classes” Adrian, participant Gerry’s Attic

Our central Bristol car park is in walking distance of many city centre attractions and is a short distance from Junction 3 of the M32. Trinity is also within walking distance of Old Market (4mins), Stapleton Road (2mins) Cabot Circus (13mins) and Broadmead (19min).

Parking customers can pay via a range of methods including cash, debit/credit card and Apple and Andriod pay.

Rates start at £1. The car park is open 24 hours and customers are able to pay for multiple 12 hour slots for overnight stays.

Click here for further information about parking rates, terms and accessibility.

Trinity's car park is managed by Carflow carpark management company via an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system. All users of the site, including Blue Badge Holders, are required to pay and display the correct amount.

Trinity Centre, finally revealed photo @ Sarah Koury

After nearly a year of being covered by scaffolding we are finally set to reveal our iconic towers again after completing our programme of critical repair works.

“We have been overwhelmed by people’s support, generosity and love of Trinity,Support from funders and members of the public means that we’ve been able to secure the building’s future for generations to come and we want to say a big thank you to everyone involved. We will continue to work hard to make Trinity the diverse and pioneering community venue that the city deserves” Emma Harvey, Trinity Centre Director

Works to the centre, a Grade II* listed building, began in October 2017 as part of our long-term plan to conserve and renovate The Trinity Centre and protect its future, both as a community arts hub and also one Bristol’s most respected live-music venues.

In January 2018, investigations revealed extensive historic damage to the building, leaving the us to raise further funds to stop the building from further deterioration and prevent the former-church from being placed back onto Historic England’s ‘At Risk’ Register.

Following a public appeal to help secure Trinity’s past, present and future, we were fortunate to receive an uplift grant from Historic England, alongside support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Bristol City Council, other charitable Trusts & Foundations as well as generous donations from the public.

A 51 week critical work programme has been undertaken, overseen by Bristol-based Ferguson Mann Architects and construction firm Carrek – locally based specialists in historic conservation. Works included repairs to the roofing, stained glass windows and iconic ‘Trinity towers’, as well as intricate repair of the historic Bath-stone fabric of the building.

After a year long programme of conservation works the Trinity Centre awaits the removal of the final scaffolding (photo credit @Khali Ackford)

Since 2008, we have invested over £2 million in repairing and restoring the Trinity Centre - which is owned by Bristol City Council - transforming it from a dilapidated space into a thriving participatory arts centre for inner-city residents. These latest repair works are the final phase of repairs to restore the fabric of the building and further improvement works are planned, to increase the centre’s usability and sustainability.

Stonemasons take a break after inspecting their work, with East Bristol in the background (photo credit @Khali Ackford)

We had to prioritise what works we undertook meaning that we had to omit some of the planned sustainability improvements, such a second solar PV installation and solar battery storage as well as some additional sound proofing measures.

With Trinity Road Police Station earmarked for a possible residential development, we are aware how important these improvements are both for existing and potential new residents. Therefore we are committed to continuing to ensure there is investment in venue improvements in order to maximise use and sustain the building’s future.

Improvements to the building mean that centre we can continue to be home to over 160 community and voluntary groups who run a range of regular activities from dance classes for older people to the monthly Rhythm of the Night, a nightclub for adults with learning difficulties. We support community groups with over 1400 hours of free and subsidised hall space each year to ensure that the centre continues to provide invaluable public benefit. Activities like these are made possible in part through income generated through our car park and support from public donations.

“I’m 75 and still dancing – this means so much in term of fitness, socialising and even mental fitness. This wouldn’t be possible without Trinity – who provide amazing spaces for classes” says Adrian Longstaffe who attends Gerry’s Attic, a dance group held weekly at Trinity.

The Trinity Towers awaiting their big reveal (photo credit @Khali Ackford)

We will be celebrating the completion of these works at our celebratory ‘Heart & Soul’ event and AGM and warmly invite all to attend-  on 4 October.

You can play your part in Trinity’s future, by donating to Trinity and help support groups like Gerry’s Attic to find community, happiness and opportunity.  Donate online www.3ca.org.uk/donatenow, or text TR1N13 £5 to 70070

IGNiTE resident Roxana Vilk shares her project during the induction day Sep 2018 photo @ Alexa Ledecky

“My hopes for the residency are that the idea will grow in a very collaborative, beautiful way into a piece that reflects the incredible diverse communities around us here and the heartfelt stories that bind us together as humans.” IGNiTE resident

We’re delighted to introduce the 2018 cohort of IGNiTE artists in residence. Over the next six months, these four Bristol based artists will develop exciting new work in collaboration with communities at Trinity.

Roxana Vilk will invite people to collectively celebrate heritage though lullabies sung at night in her project ‘Across Our City At Night’.

Ania Varez's invites people to experience emotional pain as a collective and across borders in her project ‘Guayabo’ (or, Grief Party).

Vicki Hearne’s ‘Practically Perfect’ is an intergenerational project exploring the common pressures felt by generations of women.

Viki Browne’s ‘Hyper Fem’ explores gender empowerment and the performance of femininity in a male dominated drag world.

Photographer Anita Corbin shares some thoughts with the 2018 cohort during their induction day photo @ Alexa Ledecky

Each artist has been chosen because their practice puts co-creation with communities at its core, aiming to connect to new audiences and sparking debate. Their projects tackle big issues to do with identity and our place in the world, exploring themes such as migration and gender empowerment.

Our  residency programme is now in its third year and aims to increase the diversity and representation of art, artists and audiences, whilst offering artists an opportunity to test out new ideas, reflect on their practice and make new connections.

Julia Thornycroft is a member of the IGNiTE programming forum, who collaboratively help select this years residents. Photo @ Alexa Ledecky

Whether artists are at the very beginning of an idea or taking a project they have already developed in a new direction, we encourage artists to use their time with us to take risks and experiment – all within a supportive environment.  All four artists will receive professional support, the use of Trinity’s performance space the Fyfe Hall, and a bursary. You can find out more about the featured artists and their projects by visiting their profile pages here.

Roxana, Ania and Vicky in the studio listening to music tutor Dave as he explained more about our Youth Music project, Making Tracks. Photo @ Alexa Ledecky

Through the year we will be blogging about Roxana, Ania, Vicki and Viki’s journeys and letting you know about sharing any opportunities for the public to take part. Sign up to our mailing list to keep updated.

We wish the artists all the luck and cannot wait to see their projects take shape, find out more about IGNiTE here, including our Autumn Season of shows.

About IGNiTE

IGNiTE is Trinity's in house programme of world-class, innovative theatre and dance about issues that matter to people now, starting conversations and sparking debate. IGNiTE is supported using public funding by Bristol City Council and by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

Jackie Hagan's This Is Not A Safe Space celebrates the weird, the wonky, the unruly, and the resilient (Oct 19)

Our Autumn 2018 season of our in house theatre and dance programme, IGNiTE , presents four shows whose themes ask: How far have we actually come?

"Politics, race, gender, sexuality, poverty, crime, austerity, pay gaps, #metoo our society seems deeply polarised. IGNiTE presents four shows that are in different ways providing a snapshot of our divided times and ask: how far have we come?” Rhiannon Jones Programme Manager

Launching on October 19 with award winning comedian and writer, Jackie Hagan’s This Is Not A Safe Space. Commissioned by Unlimited, Jackie conducted interviews with people from all over the country living on the fringes and the spaces in between. These are not sob stories - they are well rounded lives full of the spiky humor and the complicated weirdness of being human. Jackie weaves these narratives together with poetry and anecdotes, in a performance celebrating the weird, the wonky, the unruly, and the resilient.

An all female cast feature in The Forecast, by Limbik Theatre (Oct 20). Based on George Saunders’ short story The Semplica Girl Diaries. Set in the not too distant future, the latest must-have consumer craze and status symbol are Human Garden Ornaments; women, from developing countries, hoisted up in affluent backyards, thin wires through their brains connecting them to news, travel, weather. In The Forecast, we hear what life is like for the four of them in this dystopian theatre piece. It could never happen...could it?

Rachael Young and badass band of super-humans embrace Afrofuturism and the cult of Grace Jones in: Nightclubbing (Nov 2)

Next up, join award winning Rachael Young and her badass band of super-humans as they embrace Afrofuturism, the cult of Grace Jones and intergalactic visions to start a revolution in Nightclubbing (Nov 2). This explosive dance performance traces the connections between Grace Jones’ 1981 landmark album ‘Nightclubbing’ and a London club's refusal to admit three Black women on the grounds of race in 2015?

'It is more than OK to be this way' in Sardoville's For Only An Hour (Nov 24)

Tackling the continuing oppression of LGBTQ++ community, Sardoville’s one man romp For Only An Hour (Nov 24) is a queer manifesto told through dance, song, spoken word and performance art. Created in response to the 2017 persecution of the LGBTQ++ community in Chechnya, this show is about celebrating who we are, and offering support to a new generation by saying: it’s more than OK 'to be this way'.

Get involved

IGNiTE resident artist Vicki Browne will develop a new piece of work 'Hyper Fem'

Throughout the season there are opportunities for public to take part and get more involved. From joining in the conversation in one of our post show talk backs, dancing the night away at our post show club night following Nightclubbing’s to signing up to one of our Artist led workshops. Keep an eye on our website for updates.

As part of the IGNiTE programme Trinity will be supporting four resident artists across the year who will receiving professional support and developing work in Trinity’s performance space – Fyfe Hall. Bristol based artists Ania Varez, Roxana Vilk, Vicki Hearne and Viki Browne will all receive professional help and support, rehearsal space and a bursary to develop new work at Trinity.

Previous IGNITE residents include performance artist Caroline Williams, dance practitioners Ella Mesma,  Sara Dos Santos and Latisha Cesar, theatre makers Uninvited Guests and Back in 5 Minutes Squad who joined up with disability led arts organisation Art in Motion.

Tickets to all IGNiTE shows are priced at £11 standard and £9 for concessions and can be purchased online at trinitybristol.org.uk

IGNiTE is Trinity's in house programme of world-class, innovative theatre and dance about issues that matter to people now, starting conversations and sparking debate. IGNiTE is supported using public funding by Bristol City Council and by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

September Flash Sale 2018

Blink and you’ll miss it – the Bristol & Bath Culture Flash Sale returns

We’re excited to be taking part for the first time in one of the biggest arts sale in the UK!  Culture fans can save money on thousands of tickets throughout Bristol, Bath, and beyond, in a 24-hour flash sale from 10am on Thursday Sep 6

Take a punt on something new, grab a bargain and kick off your autumn with a barrow-load of amazing culture.

What's on offer at Trinity

Trinity will be offering 20% off our IGNiTE theatre and dance programme and to our Outdoor Cinema Screening

Discounted tickets will be on sale for just 24 hours and are strictly limited – once they’re gone, they’re gone.

How to book Flash Sale tickets at Trinity

Book via the show links below from 10am Sep 6.

Use FLASH20 at the checkout to receive your 20% discount. There is a maximum of 6 x  tickets per transaction. Flash sale tickets are inclusive of booking fees.

Get ready for Afrofuturism and the cult of Grace Jones in Rachael Young's Nightclubbing Nov 2

Theatre & dance sale

This Is Not A Safe Space - Jackie Hagan Fri 19 October

The Forecast - Limbik Theatre Sat 20 October

Nightclubbing - Rachael Young Fri 2 November

For Only One Hour - Sardoville Sat 2 November

The Shape of Water Sept 9, screening as part of our Outdoor Cinema series

Outdoor cinema screenings

Dancehall Queen Sat 8 September

Thelma and Louise Sun 9 September

The Shape of Water Sat 15 September

Under the Skin Sun 16th September

What’s on offer across Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas

For a full list of organisations taking part and links to all available offers, go to the Visit Bristol website at visitbristol.co.uk or search using the hashtag on Twitter #CultureFlashSale.

Get 20% off tickets to Dangerous Corner by Next Stage Theatre Company

Get 25% off bands C,D and E tickets for Mozartfest

Full list of all the Flash sale deals can be found here.

Tess Sieling, our Heart & Soul project intern, helps out during our Annual Garden Party in 2018

We are looking for a new Duty Manager to join our busy events team. We are looking for someone keen to work across working on a broad verity of different shifts, mostly evenings and sometimes into the small hours.

We run a wide range of activities from dance classes, weddings, parties, public forums, live music, club nights theatre and more.

The ideal candidate will be able to work with a diverse range of people and be able adapt to an ever changing environment.

Deadline 9am Monday 24th September

Job Description can be found HERE

Application form can be found HERE

Voting for Trinity in the scheme could mean we secure a grant of up to £4000 (photo @Khali Ackford)

This October and September you can help Trinity secure a grant of up to £4000 in Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme.

To vote, you will need to make a purchase within store of any value. Customers will receive one token per transaction, it's not necessary to purchase a carrier bag in order to receive a token. Add your token to Trinity’s Conservation Project to vote. Voting for Trinity's Conservation Project will mean up to £4000 could be secured for continued investment in Trinity’s future.

Below a list of Bristol stores taking part in the voting on our project.

Axbri Rd Express (BS4 2RU); Bedminster Express (BS3 3NN); Blenheim Court Express (BS1 3LA); Brislington (BS4 5AY); Bristol Metro (BS1 3DW); Bristol Paragon Express (BS1 2HJ); Canons Express (BS1 5TY); Clare St Express (BS1 1XR); College Green Express (BS1 5SP); North St Express (BS3 1HB); Totterdown Express (BS3 4RJ); Whitchurch Express (BS14 9HX); Wine St Express (BS1 2PH).

Voting closes 31 Oct 2018

Students gather in Fyfe Hall for a session professional DJ and Foley sound for film (photo @ Alastair Brookes)

Our Summer Music Sessions are an opportunity for young people of all abilities to come to Trinity and try out different accepts of music making. The sessions are delivered over two days, meaning young people have the opportunity to take part in a variety of workshops and sessions.

Young people perform with the in-house band (photo @ Alastair Brookes)

This year we worked in partnership with Access Creative College who delivered workshops in professional DJ and Foley sound for film, while our own in-house team of awesome tutors, Al, Ed, Matt, Oli and Jack, delivered sessions ranging from live performance to Vocal Recording to Beat Making.

"I love music. More time!! Make it longer, thank you!" Participant, Summer Music Session

Our highlights include a beat boxing shows case from professional performer Jack Salt (The Inexplicables, Ushti Baba) and welcoming Charlie Grier from Access Creative Music who shared his DJ’ing skills to the group.

Students had the opportunity to perform with professional musicians (photo @ Alastair Brookes)

"We should have these sessions more regularly for everyone to mix and share ideas" Participant, Summer Music Session

Some brilliant performances from young people – Sam performed his original songs (from his new EP recorded at Trinity), Collins rapped over live beats provided by Charlie from Access Creative Music, Rob playing Djembe drum as part of the live performance backed by Trinity house band
and the final live performance showcase with support from Oli (on the drums) Matt (on the bass) and Charlie on the decks.

Georgia came along for the Summer Sessions and really enjoyed getting involved and trying out the different music making activities (photo @ Alastair Brookes)

Aged 13 - 25 and want to gain new music making skills? Then get in touch with Dave.

Trinity's Summer Music Sessions are delivered as part of Making Tracks, a collaborative project between Basement Studios, ACE and Trinity. Making tracks is funded by Youth Music.

The Shape of Water, September 15

And.. it is that time of year again where we set up the Outdoor Cinema in Trinity Garden and over two weekends you get to enjoy the late summer heat, listen to some great music, enjoy a nice bit of food (if you like) and watch some classic movies as the sun sets.

This year we’ve curated films around the theme of Fairy Tales for Troubled Times, choosing four films that look at the idea of being another in a world that doesn’t accept you.

We kick off with a "rags to riches fairytale set in the phantasmagorical world of Jamaican dancehall" as we team up with Come The Revolution to present Don Letts' first ever feature film Dancehall Queen (Sep 8).

Someone said get a life… so they did. Hailed as one of the greatest road movies of all time, Ridley Scott’s Thelma and Louise (Sep 9) charters the trail and tribulations of two women’s crime spree across the American Southwest.

Set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1963 Guilermo Del Toro’s, The Shape of Water (Sat Sep 15)  is an other worldly fairy tale about love and the fear of the unknown.

Scarlett Johansson stars in the indie drama, Under The Skin (Sep 16). Part road movie, part science fiction, part real this is a tale of an alien in human form and is all about looking at our world (or, at least Glasgow) through alien eyes.

Our Outdoor Cinema's start a 7pm, and before the films start (at around 8:00pm, when the sun sets) you can grab yourself a drink at the bar, get some movie theme inspired food, and have a bit of a boogie to some music from 7:30pm.

Outdoor Cinema tickets start at £10 standard / £6 conc, click on the links below to reserve yours now.

Dancehall Queen September 8

Thelma and Louise September 9

The Shape of Water September 15

Under The Skin September 16

Clare and Sam's wedding Aug 5 2017

'We got together around New Year and just clicked and ended up living together.' His wake was actually held at the Trinity. It's where we went back to..It was a strange circularness - saying hello and goodbye at Trinity.' (anonymous)

Celebratory, poignant, both weddings, christenings, wakes, funerals, parties - as part of our Heritage Project Heart & Soul we are looking for stories of your big event at Trinity to include in our online archive and celebration event.

It might be that you met a life long friend, a partner, here at an event. If you have a story and pictures to share with us contact Edson@3ca.org.uk or call Trinity on 0117 9351200 and ask to speak to either Edson or Karina.

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Silent Hobo and Mr Riks paint Trinity's reception in 2015

As part of our Heart & Soul project we are looking to commission artists to produce creative responses to key moments in Trinity’s history. The works created will be on semi permanent display in the building and become part of the indoor visual history trail that will be completed in Oct 2018.

Trinity already has a DJ Derek Stencil by artist Stewy, painted in celebration of a generous donation to our Youth Music project by Sweet Memory Sounds - a trust set up by Derek’s family and friends to keep Derek’s musical legacy going. We also have a mural painted by Bristol artists Silent Hobo and Mr Riks in our reception area, painted in 2015 during our last major capital works.

We imagine that the artwork could be a stencil or mural, painted, or sprayed, directly onto the walls:

- inspired by the history of the building

- appropriate to our audiences

- celebrating Trinity’s history

- Tells a story of Trinity

- Celebrates Trinity as the centre of community activity

We will work with artists to decide where the artworks will be and suggest artists come to the the site visit 21st Aug to have a tour of the building.  The total budget for all commissions is £2500 and could be spread across a few artists, or on a larger commission.

Artists can have full access to our archive – an extensive collection of images, flyers, posters, newspaper articles & oral interviews from the 1832 to the current day.

Download the full brief here

Deadline for submissions is Friday 31st August 2018, 12:00pm

Site visit Tuesday 21st August from 12:00pm - 7:00pm

The art work needs to be completed by Sunday 30th September 2018

The total commissioning budget is £2500 to include artists time and materials.

Have any questions? Then click here to send us an email

Fyfe Hall filled up for the penultimate talk in the series @Khali Ackford

There was a lot of excitement within the team about this event as we knew the panel members would be really interesting and bring good insight to Bristol’s current art scene. There was a last minute change so Daniel Balla from Coexist joined us in place of Greg Bond who was unable to attend. Michele Curtis and Doug Francis joined us as planned, and our own Dr Edson Burton chaired the evening.

Coexist’s Daniel started by explaining their approach to serving the community. He spoke about the way that cultural ecology is not fixed, it is constantly recreated. A central concern of gentrification has and always will be the displacement of people from the community that used to occupy that space, physically or spiritually, in society. Some art installations at Hamilton House have expressed this by communicating the unpredictable nature of the facade and behind by having volunteers speak about their lives behind a screen for attendees to listen to. He mentioned that national newspapers such as The Guardian site Stokes Croft as the epitome of gentrification, so Coexist have a big responsibility to critique their own actions and what other organisations do to serve their community.

"Should we be calling this gentrification at all or rather redevelopment? What defines gentrification could simply be the monetisation of the social world."

One of the main subjects of conversation throughout the evening was the need to conform with capitalist needs while making art, in order to succeed. These organisations have rent to pay and therefore have had to learn how to generate capital through a variety of means. In the case of Coexist, they have hosted activist groups such as the Bristol Drugs Project as well as commercial income from artist studios, dance studios, and desk space. The model has to be reactive to the community, for example after engaging with the community to see where the need was, they set up a Somali kitchen.

On the panel from left to right, Coexit's Daniel Balla, Trinity'sDr Edson Burton, ASLS's Doug Francis and visual artist Michele Curtis @Khali Ackford

There were also questions raised about the use of language- should we be calling this gentrification at all or rather redevelopment? What defines gentrification could simply be the monetisation of the social world. In terms of where Coexist sits- the future is uncertain. The organisation always assumed it would be able to buy the building when the time was right, however this year their landlords have quadrupled the rent, throwing all future plans into the air. This has motivated the team to think about Coexist’s future. They critiqued the system and they now want to make a network between arts organisations so that they can support and stand up for one another like a union.

Michele Curtis’s career in visual art began in 2015 in St Paul’s with a mural and walking tour project. She wanted to communicate the local history visually by painting large murals, and proposed this idea to somebody, who strongly advised to act immediately. Michele described how at the time she did not consider why, but that with hindsight she believes he gave this advice because he could see the area was changing and in the near future, people living there would not want massive murals of black people’s portraits. She projected to the audience a feeling of motivation, encouraging artists to act on their ideas and make art happen.

"...the power lies with artists, therefore we must continue to make art, and fight for arts organisations."

Doug Francis comes from a long art background, originally doing events in the Portobello Road area of London before moving to Bristol where there was still opportunity. In this instance, Doug talks about opportunity in terms of buildings that can still be used to hold raves, parties and art events cheaply or for free. He said that he did not look forward to anticipate what would be happening now. With friends, he occupied garages up Cheltenham Road, and what they did differently from other groups of artists was they opened up their squat to invite the local community in. Doug is also the ringmaster of The Invisible Circus, with outrageous costumes, props and staging. When Artspace Lifespace took The Island over from Urban Splash, with enormous pride he described it as the clowns taking over the police station, the lunatics taking over the asylum. Other venues they have around Bristol include the Loco Club under Temple Meads, the Vestibules at the Council House on College Green, and most recently acquired, Ashton Court.

He has made art in many ways and in lots of different places and media. Recently he even had a job in the Somerset council, trying to re-purpose the Tropicana Centre after Banksy’s Dismaland residency. The feeling we were left with was that the power lies with artists, therefore we must continue to make art, and fight for arts organisations.

Questions from the floor created lively debate about gentrification in Bristol. Photo @Khali Ackford

After each panellist had spoken about their work individually, the floor was open to questions. There was a good mixture of debate, and a sense that the audience was in it together, fighting for the same side. The amount of knowledge sharing was inspiring, for example an audience member made us all aware about the Living in Vehicles consultation which is happening at Bristol City Council.

The panel made it a richly interesting, energetic evening of discussion, for which we thank them.  Catch the last talk in our series on the 31st July at 7pm, ‘Reconstructing Trinity: From Disrepair to Glory’. It will be another panel discussion featuring Trinity members past and present, don’t miss out.

These notes are written by Tess Sieling, who is the project intern on the Heart & Soul heritage project. Read more of her notes on our Tuesday talk series - Father Paul, Fidel Meraz, A Million Bricks of Love, and Same Building, Different Meaning. Our talk series explores the challenges and achievements of transforming and preserving historic buildings and is programmed in collaboration with Bristol's Architecture Centre and the University of West England (UWE).

Trinity Summer Music Sessions

Free workshops, performance and fun for young people in Bristol Weds 15th & Thurs 16th Aug, 11am-3pm

* Music Production

* Song & Lyric Writing

* Drum & Vocal Tuition

* Junk Percussion

* Beat Boxing

* ATM music college DJing & Film Sound FX masterclass

Thursday afternoon (1pm - 3pm) will be dedicated to a series of live performances.

All abilities welcome. Limited space. Email: training@3ca.org.uk or call: 0117 935 1200 or pop in to reception to book your space now!

Keisha Thompson teaching a youth music participant vocal looping @Khali Ackford