Ok, so it’s not 1900s Paris and yes, unlike Berlin, artsy people are not the majority of its inhabitants but Bristol is a city where art is alive, is produced, exhibited, discussed and taught so whatever your taste and fancy, you will find your spot in the Bristol art world.

Galleries and Museums:
Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery: Over-shadowed (literally!) by Wills Tower, it’s traditional, teeny bit old-fashioned but with exhibits ranging from temporary art exhibitions to ancient Egyptian pieces, it’s always worth a visit.
Arnolfini: Film, music, live art, exhibitions, discussions, dance – everything the contemporary art scene has to offer in one of the leading European galleries. Arnolfini on the waterfront also has the best art bookshop in the city.
The Architecture Centre: A small but interesting centre next to Arnolfini exhibiting and promoting architectural design and innovations about the environment we live in.
Centrespace: Small exhibition centre close to St. Nicholas’ market. Check it out for the Bristol Art show 08 in September.
Here: A Stokes Croft venue hosting up-and-coming artists as well as a wide range of local music groups and a great, great shop.
Innocent: Calling themselves; “Bristol’s local, contemporary fine art specialists,” they are obviously less edgy and more refined and very, very Clifton Village but interesting nonetheless.
The Bristol Art Trail: Not a gallery in itself, but a massive event happening each year in many galleries and other spaces, exhibiting work by local artists. The best way to introduce yourself to the city’s talents.

Studio Spaces:
Spike Island: Affordable artist studios, residency programmes and contemporary art exhibitions in two gallery spaces.
SNAP: Seven Bristol artists set up this center on Lower Park Row, aiming to expand, exhibit and organize courses and workshops. Have a look at the work produced in their printmaking studio in their brand new gallery.
Paintworks: The true Bristol art space, a district in Totterdown being developed to host artists and their works in a cultural community, with more than 20 already living and working there.

Schools/Courses:
Bristol Drawing School: Based in the aforementioned Paintworks land of artistic delight, this school offers workshops and courses of varying length, to all levels and ages.
UWE Short Courses: The school of Creative Arts of UWE offers a wide range of short courses – Saturdays, evenings, summer, Easter; there’s no excuse not to go and release some artistic juices.
ArtOfficial: A University of Bristol student society, holding drawing sessions and workshops. Most importantly: free materials and regular models for life drawing sessions.
Cherry Art Center: Course offerings, gallery and the intriguing-sounding “Arty Parties” (check before you wear your fancy artsy scarf and go).
Folk House: Park Street classic value, with a huge list of courses ranging from life drawing to singing for beginners and Spanish conversation groups. Student prices.

Whether starting a course or unleashing your talents in the privacy of your room, Bristol Fine Art on Park Row or Art@Bristol on Gloucester Road are very good places for materials.

Finally, for those who enjoy the art world atmosphere but only visit galleries and museums for the gift shop, don’t forget to visit the Watershed, the Folk House and the Arnolfini café, making sure to look suitably alternative and air-headed.

Anna Leon