About Arnolfini
Arnolfini: A Leading Centre for Contemporary Arts in Bristol
Arnolfini is a contemporary arts centre located at the heart of Bristol's harbourside. Established in 1961, it has been a leading hub for contemporary art exhibitions, performances, and events. Arnolfini is committed to showcasing the best of contemporary art from around the world and providing a platform for emerging artists.
The galleries at Arnolfini are open to the public free of charge. This makes it an accessible destination for anyone interested in exploring contemporary art without any financial barriers. The centre also offers a range of educational programmes and workshops that cater to all ages and abilities.
Arnolfini's mission is to inspire creativity, spark conversations, and challenge perceptions through its diverse programme of exhibitions, performances, talks, screenings, and events. The centre has hosted some of the most innovative artists from around the world including Yoko Ono, Marina Abramović, Ai Weiwei among others.
One of Arnolfini's unique features is its location on Bristol's historic harbourside. The building itself was once used as tea warehouses before being converted into an arts centre in 1961 by Jeremy Rees who was then director until 1999 when he retired after almost four decades at helm.
The galleries at Arnolfini are spread over several floors with each space offering something different. Visitors can expect to see everything from painting and sculpture to video installations and performance art. One notable exhibition that took place recently was "Still I Rise: Feminisms Gender Resistance" which explored feminist movements across different cultures.
In addition to its exhibition spaces, Arnolfini also houses a bookshop that stocks an extensive range of books on contemporary art theory as well as artist monographs and catalogues from past exhibitions held at the centre.
Arnolfini has always been committed to supporting emerging artists by providing them with opportunities to showcase their work. The centre has a residency programme that offers artists the chance to work in Bristol and develop their practice. Arnolfini also runs an annual open submission exhibition called "The Open" which invites artists from across the UK to submit their work for consideration.
Arnolfini's commitment to accessibility is reflected in its facilities which include wheelchair access, audio guides, and large print guides. The centre also offers British Sign Language interpretation for selected events.
In conclusion, Arnolfini is a leading contemporary arts centre located at the heart of Bristol's harbourside. Its commitment to showcasing the best of contemporary art from around the world and supporting emerging artists makes it an important cultural institution in Bristol and beyond. With its diverse programme of exhibitions, performances, talks, screenings, and events - all offered free of charge - Arnolfini is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring contemporary art.