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.

Bristol’s acclaimed spoken word night, Raise The Bar will host a pre-talk open mic followed by a DJ set from DJ Adibah (Booty Bass).

6pm - Doors Open

6:15pm - 6:45pm - Open Mic

7pm - In Conversation with: Lowkey

8pm - DJ Adibah (Booty Bass)

Tickets are priced at £5 as this event is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. if you would like to request a bursary tickets please contact us on info@trinitybristol.org.uk.

Please note that the original date for this show was 08 Aug, tickets are still valid for the new date.

About Lowkey

Since launching his rap career in the early 00s, Lowkey has been a consistent and powerful voice against Islamophobia, neo-imperialism, and the plight of Palestine.

In his hip hop career, Lowkey has worked with Immortal Technique, Wretch 32, Akala, Dead Prez, and Outlawz.

Sign Up For the Open Mic

Signing up for the open mic will be on a first come first served basis. Each open mic slot will be three minutes maximum and you will be given a free ticket to come along to the event. Please note that only a microphone can be provided in terms of technical support.

To sign up please contact jo@trinitybristol.org.uk by 20 Sep

About Art of Resistance

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

Please read our COVID-19 Safety Policy for information on attending events during this time. Please note, proof a negative PCR/lateral flow test is required for entry.

Photo credit: Colin Moody

Art of Resistance is a two-year project exploring the role that creativity plays in resistance movements. Through the lens of key protest movements in Bristol: Women’s Equality & The Suffragettes, Workers' Risings & Bristol Riots, and Anti-Racism & Anti-Fascism, the project is documenting and exploring Bristol as a city where people feel empowered to make change.

Throughout this Summer (July – Aug 2021) there are opportunities to find out more about creative acts of resistance through a programme of talks, workshops, and events. Featuring the likes of Lowkey, Kiki, Queer Vision and Julie Boston – all key players driving to change the world around them for the better.

Banners have, literally, been at the forefront of Trade Union protest and a way in which women in particular have contributed to Trade Union activism. Imagine from Reclaim the Night to Black Lives Matter.  Join textile artists Ruth Ramsay and others to collaborate in the creation of a ‘Banner For Bristol’ that will capture the spirit of Bristol (05 Aug).

Short films are often a stepping stone for film-makers, lending themselves to a variety of innovative approaches to storytelling and platforming. For one night only, Kiki Bristol join forces with Queer Vision for an evening screening new QTIPOC film shorts (15 Jul).

Environmental campaigning has been at the forefront of the protest movements in Bristol. From Grassroots campaigning to Save The M32 Maples in St Paul’s to XR’s takeover of the City Centre. Julie Boston has been at the forefront of campaigning on environmental issues in Bristol for decades – join her at Trinity for an evening's discussion (22 Jul).

British rapper and activist, Lowkey is one of the most evocative, articulate, and urgent voices of our time. Since launching his rap career in the early 00s, Lowkey has been a consistent and powerful voice against Islamophobia, neo-imperialism, and the plight of Palestine. In an evening of conversation, Lowkey shares his inspirations, how he uses his art as a form of activism and his continued commitment to social justice (28 Sep).

Fast fashion has a detrimental impact on the environment. In a one-off workshop join Sophie & Frances to find out more about every-day-resistance through the simple act of up-cycling your clothes (12 Aug).

From their use in the military to the synonymous connection to the punk movement in the 70s/80s, patches can be a form of group identification, a creative symbol of counterculture, or a means of showing support for a cause. Find out more about the history of patches through creating your own in a one-off workshop (18 Aug).

Sign up by clicking on the links above, or find out more about the project here. Don’t want to miss out? Keep up to date with events and news at Trinity by signing up to our mailing list.

Films include the bodacious Bonde, Kiki Bristol/gal-dem collaboration featuring the legendary Travis Alabanza and the brilliant celebration of UK queerness and previous Queer Vision winner Beyond: It’s Always a Black Issue Dear. Actor/poet David Ellington will be the evening guest presenting their film: Liberty.

Bring your bad self in the boldest finery – let your attitude and colour be a beacon for a new normal. Come down and inject some fierceness into your lives!

All films will be captioned and there will be a BSL interpreter for the discussion.

About Kiki Bristol

Kiki Bristol, a collective who create safe social space events led by and for the QTIPoC community in Bristol.

About Queer Vision

Queer Vision presents a diverse programme of LGBT+ films from around the globe, including independently-made feature, animation and award-winning short films.

This is event is supported by  Art of Resistance, Trinity's project exploring creative acts of resistance.

Hosted by Art of Resistance curator Dr Edson Burton, Julie will be reading extracts from her past and present work including her latest publication Out of Order. Julie is also an editor at Friends of the Suburban Bristol Railways.

In Conversation with: is series of talks with key people involved in creative acts of protest and resistance. Programmed as part of Art of Resistance, a two-year project exploring creative acts of resistance. Find out more about the project and other workshops in the series here.

Bring along 1-3 items of clothing with you for some hands-on upcycling. These items could visibly need to be mended or could be old bedding, off cuts, or even towels, We suggest you bring along a notebook and pen.

The workshop is delivered by Sophie & Frances, two creatives who specialise in up-cycling and reusing textiles and is part of Art of Resistance a two-year project exploring creative acts of resistance. Find out more about the project and other workshops in the series here.

Due to high demand of places, there is a £5 refundable deposit which will be reimbursed at the end of the session. If you are unable to attend the session or need to cancel, please give us 24hrs notice, in order for  your deposit to be refunded.

About Sophie

Sophie’s relentless passion for making clothes has taken her on a creative journey from the World of Wearable Arts in NZ, to study fashion design in San Francisco, to now living and working in Bristol as a costume maker for theatre & performance. Reusing and upcycling textiles and fabrics are the main focus of her creative projects today.

About Frances

Frances is a self proclaimed creative-Jill-of-all-trades whose experience in the hospitality industry left her with a thirst to dedicate more of her time to her many other creative talents; developing skills in art & design, professional tiling, painting & decorating, jewellery & fashion design, upcycling and teaching yoga. She uses her constantly developing, multifaceted skill-set to enrich and inspire not only her own life, but also within communities around her.

Fashion for Keeps is part of the Art of Resistance programme of activities. Art of Resistance is a two-year, National Heritage Lottery Funded project charting 100 years of protest in Bristol.

The discussion is hosted by Art of Resistance curator, writer, and historian Dr Edson Burton.

Food will be available throughout the event. Social distancing rules apply. Tickets are for tables of up to 6 people.

Vibronics:

The future sound of dub have been vibrating the world with bass since 1996. Their music is at the forefront of the UK dub scene, proven by over 70 releases of their own legendary SCOOPS label, and a myriad of other labels. In the studio they have worked with a seemingly endless list of dub and reggae luminaries, including Michael Prophet, Iration Steppas, Aba Shanti, and Gaudi.

Lioness:

DJ Lioness has represented reggae music for over 30 years. In that time she has interviewed reggae legends such as Buju Banton, Morgan Heritage, John Holt, and Sugar Minott amongst many more.

DJ Stryda:

Since 1996, DJ Stryda has been uplifting the masses with his Sufferah’s Choice radio show. He is one half of the duo Dubkasm, who release top-quality productions on their Sufferah’s Choice Recordings label. He is responsible for bringing many of the top soundsystems and stage shows to Bristol, always filling up Trinity with his internationally renowned Teachings in Dub event.

Big D (Jah Lokko sound):

Jah Lokko have been in the sound system business for close to 30 years and you might recognize their speaker boxes from St Paul's carnival as the alias they also play as (Unique Star) have had a spot at the top of Campbell St every year since the 90's.

About Trinity Presents
Trinity Presents is our in house programme bringing innovative world-class live music and arts to inner-city audiences.. Trinity Presents is supported through the Cultural Recovery Fund #HereForCulture

The Pleasure of Resistance is a free online workshop with award winning Bristol City poet Caleb Parkin  exploring ways in which creative writing can be used to amplify messages.

In the workshop you will explore resources you need to 'resist', you’ll be invited to think about joyous, creative ‘marks of resistance’ in your day-to-day life, celebrating their details. Participants are encouraged to bring magazine articles or other forms of writing for inspiration.

This workshop is for writers at all stages, ages and abilities. If you would like to take part please sign up using the ticket link.  A Zoom link will be supplied closer to the event. The workshop is free but spaces are limited.

About Caleb Parkin

The works of Caleb Parkin, Bristol City Poet 2020 - 22, have been published widely in journals. He has also won/been shortlisted in major writing competitions across the UK. Caleb tutors for Poetry Society, Poetry School and Cheltenham Festivals, and holds an MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes. His debut pamphlet, Wasted Rainbow was published with Tall Lighthouse in February 2021 and his debut collection, This Fruiting Body, with Nine Arches this October.

About Art of Resistance

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

Peaches, Trinity, 2016 Credit: Jessica Bartolini

Resonators, Trinity, 2018, Khali Ackford

Alesandra Seutin I Vocab Dance Company, Trinity, 2018, Jessica Bartolini

Kiesha Thompson, Trinity, 2018, Jessica Bartolini

This gallery is part of Art of Resistance, a two year project documenting creative responses to resistance movements in Bristol. The women featured in this exhibition are known for their creative power and for their commitment to changing society.

Using music as their platform, Peaches takes a bold and unexpected approach to the topics of sex, feminism, queerness, gender, and new millennium politics. Fronted by Faye Houston and Kassia Zermon, Brighton reggae band, Resonators, draw influences from original Jamaican sounds and riddims.

Keisha Thompson and Alesandra Seutin both use performance to explore race, identity, and gender issues, often creating highly personal and thought provoking work.

Protest history and the art it has created is both formal and informally documented. It is held within memories, private collections, people’s art, posters, music, and poetry. We hope these pictures inspire you to remember your own creative acts of protest, large or small, to share them with us and be part of building a people’s archive.

Art of Resistance is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund

1985 Oct 25 International Time Off for Women

March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

The origins of International Women’s Day can be traced to the second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen in 1910. Delegates approved a motion calling for a celebration of women every year in every country. Today International Women’s Day is a month-long celebration and the struggle for equal access and opportunity, are as relevant today as it was in 1910.

Throughout the month of March, we have a programme of activities to celebrate, to take part in and to learn more about women’s history.

Associate Artist Roxanna Vilk has teamed up with charity Bristol Women’s Voice to offer a free Lullabies workshop (Mar 10). The Workshop is open to families and carers and is an opportunity to learn Iranian, Slovenian and Cuban Lullabies. Sign up here.

As part of Art of Resistance we will be exploring the ways that women have creatively responded to the struggle for equality across the world. Our outdoor gallery, Snapshots of Resistance, will have a selection of photographs documenting women protestors & pioneering artists – with a wider selection of photographs from our archive will be accessible online. We will also be releasing an inspirational interview with Bristol treasure singer songwriter Rita Lynch. We are also calling out for stories and art to be part of the project. Submit yours online here.

There are more activities planned, keep an eye out on our website, sign up to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep-up-to-date and to #GetInvolved.

Image Colin Moody

Art of Resistance is a 2-year project exploring 100 years of social activism, protest, and civil disobedience in Bristol, and the art that underpinned each movement.

We're looking for people who have artifacts or stories they would like to share to help build this picture of Bristol as a city of art and activism.

Whether your #resist story or art relates to Workers Rights, Women’s Equality, Anti-Racism, Anti-Fascism - or something else we haven't thought of - we'd love to hear from you.

In particular, we're really interested if any artwork, including poetry, textiles, posters, banners and ephemera, music and performing arts that were used to support and capture the spirit of different movements throughout the ages.

#GetInvolved

If you have digital material you can upload it here: Art Of Resistance Submission form.

If you have a physical item or would like to discus taking part in an interview to tell your own story, please contact info@trinitybristol.org.uk

Keep up to do with the project and other Trinity news and event sign up to our mailing list here.

The project is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.