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.

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