Click play to watch Stokes Croft Lands Trust's campaign video

As part of our continued commitment to advocating for shared community and cultural spaces, we have pledged £1,000 to become a shareholder in the Stokes Croft Land Trust, matching the pledges of grassroots arts groups, The Invisible Circus and Artspace Lifespace.

“PRSC is a contemporary example of radical art in Bristol that represents the themes we’re exploring in our heritage project. Though this pledge, we hope to strengthen our ability more closely with PRSC and create shared outcomes for communities in relation to the art of resistance theme.” Rhiannon Jones, Programme Director

In early 2022, Trinity published the ‘100 Beacons’ report: A Community Canvas - building the case for community infrastructure, to shine a light on the importance of – and understand the risks posed to – Bristol's community and cultural assets. This report identified sustained underinvestment in civic assets coupled with the city’s rapid regeneration, poses a risk to Bristol’s unique identity that has led to it regularly topping the list of the "best places to live in Britain."

Bristol is a city renowned for its cultural offer and its activist spirit. However, parts of the city such as Stokes Croft that have historically shaped this identity have seen a huge growth in private development, which has already impacted on the cultural offer of this locality, with artists leaving Hamilton House in 2018, due to increased rents.

In response to this, the Stokes Croft Land Trust (SCLT) has been created to purchase 17-25 Jamaica St, Stokes Croft, which is home to the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft HQ (PRSC), in order to protect one of the area’s remaining cultural landmarks. Through a community shares offer, members of the community and like-minded organisations are able to come together to help ensure the building stays in the hands and ownership of artists, protecting its use for the benefit of the community. This is a model much like the Cube Cinema, which secured its building back in 2012 through community fundraising.

“Stokes Croft is a significant artistic destination in Bristol. With the scale of redevelopment happening and in the interests of social welfare, Trinity wants to help ensure our city’s cultural spirit and radical identity is nurtured. We’re working with the PRSC team to celebrate Bristol’s history of art in protest and we want to pledge our support for the Stokes Croft Land Trust so future generations of misfits have a space to call home.” Emma Harvey, CEO, Trinity Community Arts.

The Fundsurfer set up to help the SCLT purchase its first building and bring it into community ownership is already over 50% of the way towards their minimum target of £272,000.

Trinity’s commitment also supports our current work to document and celebrate 100 years of art and activism in Bristol through the National Lottery Heritage funded project, Art of Resistance.

Click here to pledge your support to Stokes Croft Land Trust today

Walk Leader Steve Spear, outlines the social and political backdrop leading up to the 1831 riots. He explains how the problematic relationship between military and civic power led to a catastrophic level of destruction which sent a shockwave throughout the kingdom.

Steve Spear is a member of the M-Shed Historic Walks team. Join Trinity's third ‘Rebel Walk’ for a fascinating insight into this dramatic episode in Bristol’s history.

How To Book

Booking in advance is essential - tickets are 'Pay What You Can' starting from £3+ booking fee per person.

Please check your ticket confirmation for the meeting point.

About Art Of Resistance
Rebel Walk is part Trinity's Art of Resistance, a two-year National Lottery Heritage Funded project celebrating Bristol's alternative and activist heritage through a series of workshops, walks, talks, exhibitions, and oral history.

Image Credit: Bristol Riots: The Burning of Queen Square: the Custom House, by William James Müller, 1831. Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

As part of Art of Resistance Rider Shafique sat down with Edson Burton to discuss his multi-faceted career and his thoughts on the activist community in Bristol.

Rider is a lyricist, spoken word and recording artist and a prolific and versatile MC at both live events on record.

Rider creates visual and performance art to educate and inspire for his project I-DENTITY, including photography exhibitions, films, interviews, workshops and a radio interview series for Noods Radio called I-MC.

Want to find out more about Art of Resistance? Click here to find out more about the project and upcoming events or keep up to date with events and news at Trinity by signing up to our mailing list.

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

Soundtrack by Grove

"St Paul's Riot, that is the name it was known as but, for the Black youths of St Paul's it was yet another attack from the system. After years of Endless pressure of pure pressure, the melting pot spilled over. " Simba Tongogara, Walk Leader.

Community activist Simba Tongogara draws on personal experience to describe the events that led to the 1980 St Pauls Uprising, the subsequent campaign to ensure those charged were legally represented and that the voice of the Black community was heard. Simba also gives a searing assessment of the gentrification of St Pauls.

How To Book

Booking in advance is essential - tickets are Pay What You Can starting from £3+ booking fee per person.

Please check your ticket confirmation for the meeting point.

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

Image credit: Copyright Bristol Post

Lantern Parade in Newtown, part of The Wish List. Photo Khali Ackford

In March 2021 we launched an ambitious community arts project, 'What I Want To Be, What I Want To See' that asked communities to share their hopes and dreams for the future, post-pandemic.

"I would never have thought I would ever enjoy doing anything like this, but I've absolutely loved it! Thank you!" Lantern Making participant

Online we shared content from our partners and residents' groups Misfits Theatre, Hype and Dance For Parkinsons. Outside we took to the streets with a robot named S.U.S.A.A.N who collected (socially distanced) hopes and dreams from local residents. In our Garden people added to a temporary community arts sculpture.

We created an open call for a paid commissioned for an artist to collaborate with local residents to creatively respond to drawings, poems and other creative responses collected. The commission was awarded community arts practitioner, Michelle Roche whose community arts project ‘The Wish List’ encompassed the spirit of 'What I Want To Be, What I Want To See' .

Collaborating with Newton Network, a community development organisation and local community members The Wish List curated a series of ‘creative happenings’ across the community of Newton. Events included weekly 'creative coffee mornings’ to create the lanterns for the magical mid-winter Dolphin Parade. A resident community painting day with artists Rose Popay and a public playlist of their favorite songs – sharing the unique identity of this vibrant corner of Bristol. A lasting legacy of the project is residents continuing the creative coffee mornings at Rosever House, a retirement complex.

Projects like these are part of our commitment to creating opportunities for artists and communities to co-create together, find out more about how we support creative communities here.

Cleo Lake is an activist, artist and elected representative, her activism spans the BLM movement, environmentalism and gender equality.

A former Colston girls school student and a leading voice in the Countering Colston movement Cleo, on taking office as Lord Mayor of Bristol, removed a portrait of Edward Colston that hung in the Lord Mayor's parlour.

Dr Edson Burton caught up with Cleo as part of the oral history research for Art of Resistance and captured the inspirational story of how she remains rooted in grassroots activism whilst navigating local and global corridors of power.

Watch the highlights of the interview above or view the whole interview by clicking here.

Want to find out more about Art of Resistance? Click here to find out more about the project and upcoming events or keep up to date with events and news at Trinity by signing up to our mailing list.

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

Soundtrack Soft Cheeks by Grove

Join writer and historian Mike Manson for a 'Rebel Walk' through a darker moment in Bristol’s history outlining the dreadful sequence of events that led to one of the worst civilian massacres of eighteenth century Britain.

Mike Manson is the author of Riot! The Bristol Bridge Massacre of 1793 (Tangent Books).

How To Book

Booking in advance is essential - tickets are Pay What You Can starting from £3+ booking fee per person.

Please check your ticket confirmation for the meeting point.

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

Join writer and historian Mike Manson for a 'Rebel Walk' through Old Market, as he reveals the hidden story behind the riot, drawing on recently discovered documents that reveal governmental fears of deeper conspiracies.

Mike Manson is the author of Riot! The Bristol Bridge Massacre of 1793 (Tangent Books).

How To Book

Booking in advance is essential - tickets are Pay What You Can starting from £3+ booking fee per person.

Please check your ticket confirmation for the meeting point.

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

Exhibition open from 12.30pm Saturday and 10.30am Sunday.

A series of inspiring talks have been programmed throughout the two days. See below for more details.

Day 1: Art, Roots, Revolution

From reclaiming nature, the landscape and the body to building alternative communities, Bristol’s many protest movements are linked by a common thread. They aim to bring us back to the roots of what makes us human and connected. Across this day we explore the many ways in which creativity is central to protest and reconnection.

Please click through the hyperlink on each talk session that you wish to register for:

• 1.30 pm Performance from Rider Shafique

• 2 pm Arts as Activism - Tom Marshman, Michelle Curtis, Rider Shafique

• 3 pm Digital Keynote - Mikaela Loach

• 3:45 pm Ring The Alarm - Deasy Bamford, Doug Fransisco, Rosina Al-Shaater

• 4:45 pm Special Guest Keynote: Melissa Chemam

• 5:45 pm Reclaim Space - Chris Chalkley, Rita Lynch, Freddy Sygrove

• 6:45pm Performance from Rita Lynch

Workshops led by Bristol City Poet Caleb Parkin, hip-hop artist Craft D, Ruth Ramsay, and more.

Day 2: Call This Equality?

As International Women's Day nears, artists and activists will explore challenging questions around classism and sexism and celebrate female desire, the body, asking how far, if at all, women have made progress in reclaiming the body.

• 11am Pay and Equality – TBC, Angie Belcher, Rhiannon White

• 12pm  Body and Soul - Isadora Vibes, Tamatha- Ann Lovett, Lucy J Turner

• 1pm Key Note - Rommi Smith

Our talks programme will be followed by performance Dry Season by Kat Lyons. Please click here for tickets and more information.

Resistance is never futile

Entry is Free – Walk ups allowed but please pre-register for the session(s) you wish to attend to help us manage numbers.

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

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.

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.

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.

In a period of growing inequality and a desperate housing and homelessness crisis, the discussion around property, the landed and the landless, the disappearance of the commons, and the privatisation of just about everything, is the issue of our times. With the huge systemic inequalities that are created thereby, the need for alternative thinking and action has never been so vital.

Led by Chris Chalkley, founder and director of People's Republic Of Stokes Croft Rebel Walk: Tesco Riot will explore the social and cultural experiment that some claim Stokes Croft to be, and the role of PRSC in that experiment, as we come to realise the necessity to find better solutions to the disaster that conventional economics has created.

How To Book and Key Information
Booking in advance is essential - tickets are Pay What You Can starting from £3+ booking fee per person and you can book your tickets using the 'Book Tickets' link on the left hand side of this page.

The walk will start and finish at Space at People's Republic Of Stokes Croft (17-25 Jamaica Street, BS2 8JP).

The walk will last 2 hours and will be followed by an opportunity to stay around in the bar afterwards to buy refreshments and ask informal questions.

If you have any access needs you'd like to discuss before booking, please contact the box office at info@trinitybristol.org.uk or by calling on 0117 935 1200.

About Art Of Resistance
Rebel Walk is part Trinity's Art of Resistance, a two-year National Lottery Heritage Funded project celebrating Bristol's alternative and activist heritage through a series of workshops, walks, talks, exhibitions, and oral history.