What’s so Brilliant about Bristol? A critical review of Bristol as a creative city (1813671).

(source:- hotels.com)

Most people traditionally associate Bristol with the thick somerset accent or the birthplace of Blackbeard the Pirate. Bristol’s important contribution to the arts and culture in the UK, however, cannot be underestimated and overlooked. According to the University of Bristol, Bristol’s contemporary economy is “built on creative media and technology”. Bristol has moved away from its industrial roots and is now characterised by creativity, and the place prides itself off its independent spirit.

But first of all, what is a creative city?

According to cultural economist, David Throsby, the creative city:

“Describes an urban complex where cultural activities of various sorts are an integral component of the city’s economic and social functioning.”

Bristol’s creative and cultural activities has become key to the city’s economic growth and perception. Individuals from all over the United Kingdom visit Bristol to witness the works of Banksy and attend numerous festivals that display Bristol’s talent, cultural diversity and creativity. Therefore, Bristol relies on creative clusters within the city, according to Terry Flew, these are formed through rebranding areas and gentrification, which has been done throughout Bristol to shift towards becoming a creative place.

What makes Bristol a creative city?  

There are a lot of creative and cultural industries that shape the ever-changing Bristol but here I identify the three main creative industries that has played a major role in Bristol being perceived as a contemporary and vibrant creative city.

Bristol Light Festival (source:- visitbristol.co.uk)

1. Array of Festivals that showcases Bristol’s creativity and talent

In pre-pandemic times, Bristol hosted at least one festival every month of the year, ranging from showcasing art, food, architecture, film, music, and even hot air balloons. Due to current circumstances, Bristol City Council has confirmed that 17 festivals will go ahead for the rest of 2021. These festivals reinforce the perception that Bristol is a thriving creative city, and allows Bristol to highlight their array of talent, technologies and their diverse community. The city embraces these festivals and thrives from them, as it offers a platform for artists to express their talents across all the creative industries around the UK and the world.  

• Film and Animation

Home to the world-famous “Aardman Animations”, who created the United Kingdom’s national treasures, Wallace and Gromit. Bristol is identified as a “UNESCO creative city of Film”.

Watershed at night (Source:- visitbristol.co.uk)

You will only need to take a walk along Bristol’s harbourside to see the influence of the film industry in Bristol. The Watershed, a former warehouse during the 19^th century that has been re-branded into a cultural product, is home to various film makers and independent projects. During the pandemic, the Watershed are working closely with the BFI network and Encounters to launch “#shortitout” which invites filmmakers of any age and experience to create their own short film during lockdown. This project encourages creativity throughout Bristol during these challenging times, and highlights the importance of the film industry in Bristol, as it undoubtedly plays a major role in recognising Bristol as a rapidly developing creative city.

• Street Art

“Well-hung lover” (source:- findingtheuniverse.com)

Bristol is also home to world-famous graffiti street artist, Banksy. The artist’s work is placed throughout the city and it attracts a lot of art lovers who come from far and wide to admire the mysterious artists work. Within 5 minutes of walking around the heart of the city, you’re bound to see flamboyant street art around every corner. Bristol uses Banksy influence to encourage more unique modern art, with frequent exhibitions that show off Bristol’s talent in the contemporary art scene.

The creative city of Bristol continuously adds to their creative economy and, arguably, is beginning to transition into a creative empire. Andy Pratt highlights the importance of consistently integrating creativity to sustain the social and economic value of the creative city. Bristol’s consistency in promoting and adding to its creative industries is the reason why Bristol has become a vibrant, creative city, and it is what makes Bristol brilliant.

Bristol: Creative City of Film (C1814105)

“Bristol Old Vic” by Ashlyn G is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Bristol is one of the most creative cities in the UK. With the beautiful setting of the Severn Estuary and the River Avon it balances perfectly with city and country life. It is the largest centre of culture in the South-West of England with the 6^th greatest city population in the country and the economy relies heavily on the creative industries.

According to Richard Florida, for a creative city to thrive, it needs to have Florida’s three T’s – technology, talent, tolerance – of which Bristol has all three.

When considering technology, Bristol has a plethora of creative spaces, art galleries, television companies which help to add to the technological infrastructure of the city enabling the basis of a creative city. Bristol has earned the title of the technology hub of the UK outweighing both Reading and London and leading as the country’s most vast digital ecosystem.

In addition, Bristol has emerged as the UK’s top smart city thanks to its success with its alliance with local government and citizens to improve the city’s urban environment, public services and creativity.

Police sniper by Banksy in Upper Maudlin Street in Bristol. Image Credit: pjhpix / Shutterstock.com

When regarding talent, Bristol has a number of creative hubs that attract artistic, inventive and innovative people who fuel the creativity of the city. The city is home to a surplus of artistic talent among a few of these being Europe’s largest graffiti and street art festival, Upfest, vibrant and diverse filming locations and also the home to a number of works by world renowned activist street artist, Banksy. Not to mention, Bristol is the centre of television and film in the South West of England with cutting-edge facilities hosting high-profile animation and BBC productions such as Poldark, Sherlock and Shaun the Sheep.

Bristol is a highly tolerant city that embraces its creativity, vibrance and culture. With a high percentage of the cities revenue being built through the creative industries, Bristolians welcome art and culture with open arms and consider it a fundamental factor to Bristol’s success.

In 2017, Bristol was awarded the title of becoming a UNESCO Creative City of Film signifying that it is part of a worldwide network recognised through its commitment to film, literature, media arts, music and design. With an abundance of music venues, art galleries, street art, and film and television companies that populate the city, it’s fairly unsurprising!

As a creative city of film, Bristol is the host to eleven annual international film festivals, each providing an expanse of talent and diversity through the dynamic display of genius. One particular film festival that displays the creativity which Bristol holds is the Encounters Film Festival. This festival has a niche focus on short film and animation that brings a whole ounce of diverse screenings to the city. For the filmmakers, it’s often seen as a gateway festival leading to highly renowned accolades such as the BAFTAs, European Film Awards and Cartoon D’Or. For the public it’s an opportunity to enjoy the works of highly talented filmmakers and to support the next generation of film.

Right in the centre of the city lays the harbourside, home to the infamous independent art house, ‘The Watershed’ and Bristol’s oldest working theatre, ‘Bristol Old Vic’. Full of culture, these venues acquire to any lover of the arts especially those who prefer intimate viewings and small, independent works.

With so much to offer in the creative and cultural realms, Bristol is not a city to miss! So, what will you do first?

The converted Watershed cinema along Bristol’s harbourside by Dana Armstrong

The gift that is Bristol – the creative city that just keeps on giving (1824321)

Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge
“Bristol and Clifton Suspension Bridge” by Kristoffer Trolle is licensed under CC BY 2.0

It’s easy to perceive Bristol as a city known only for a pirate sounding accent and a bridge that provides a perfect photo opportunity. However, when visiting this bustling city, there is much more to see and digest then these assumptions. From colourful murals climbing walls of houses and its renowned creative city spaces, Bristol oozes creativity. The creativity this city harbours is literally engrained into its’ buildings and seeped into its’ streets, spreading to its people, one of whom is one of the world’s most mysterious and thought-provoking street artists, Banksy. It is not only the environment embodying Bristol that should put this city on the map as a truly creative city, but what it continues to produce in contribution to the creative industry.

One of Artist Banksy’s pieces
“File:Banksy lovers.jpg” by Photographed by Richard Cocks is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The city of Bristol is recognized as one of “[…] the largest centre of culture, employment and education in South West England with a population of nearly half a million.” (Cowan, K. 2015). As the ‘largest centre’, you’d then expect a range of creative spaces where individuals can go to get their creative juices flowing, right?! Well Bristol is just the place for that! In a news article posted in 2019, Robin Murray shares how Bristol was named the “most artistic city in the UK”. Highlighting Bristol’s art galleries such as: the Arnolfini, notable theatres such as the Hippodrome and music venues such as the boat-converted-club that is Thekla, the article gives just a glimpse into the spaces Bristol has to offer. An area not mentioned is that of a complex of shipping containers converted into shops, cafes and restaurants in an area known as Wapping Wharf, creating a new social space for the city. Chapain et al (2010: pp.7) speak on the importance of local spaces like this, ‘suggesting that the physical aspects of a place are meaningful to its cultural and creative production.’ Home to a multicultural and diverse population of people, the creativity in Bristol could be said to be built on the collaboration of a range of great minds.

Bristol’s St Pauls Carnival
“Positivity” by quattrostagioni is licensed under CC BY 2.0

This collaboration can be seen in the creative events it hosts. The annual harbour festival showcases upcoming musical talent, providing the perfect platform to get new artists ‘out there’! There is also a cultural aspect to Bristol’s creativity, where through the St Paul’s Carnival, different backgrounds and communities are celebrated. According to Pratt (2010: pp. 18), one of the key ingredients to the recipe for a creative city is culture, claiming a creative city is one ‘based upon, or dominated by, the processes and activities of the cultural and creative sector’.

The creative city of Bristol is walking down a street, passing a bench, and then walking down that same street later that day to find a statue of a man and his dog sat on this same bench (true story!). It’s the calls from its’ people for political and cultural change through the expression of artwork and it’s the cities continuous contribution to the creative industries that makes Bristol an undeniably creative city. This continuous contribution can be seen in the cities approach to ensuring the creative arts are maintained throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic. Bristol’s Watershed museum set up a film making incentive for budding film makers called #shortitout to encourage creativity whilst in lockdown (you can read more on this here: Bristol’s response to coronavirus (COVID-19) – bristol.gov.uk). A short film called ‘City of Hope’ was also made to remind people of Bristol’s community whilst people are not able to meet in person (You can watch ‘City of Hope’ here: City of Hope.) Just as a gift that keeps on giving would, Bristol continues to surprise not only visitors, but inhabitants themselves, with endless, wrapping paper-like layers of creativity.

C1824321

Bristol: Home of the creator

Image: Creative Commons

As a young, inquisitive student living in Bristol for the past 20 years has provided the creative cultural experience of a lifetime. Considered by many creators and young people as the cultural hub of the UK. It is not a surprise Bristol is one of the top tourism destinations in the country. From the trendy street scenes of Stokes Croft to the fashionable highstreets of Clifton, Bristol offers something for everyone. No wonder Bristol is widely considered as the ‘mini-London’.

What exactly is so special about Bristol you may ask? 

Credit: GIPHY

Well let’s get into the details..

The Creative Hub

Bristol offers a unique experience for those in the creative industries. Young creators enjoy an immersive experience in the creative culture, with multiple creative hubs to assist the workforce. Including a new scheme, creative workforce for the future.

Victoria Tillotson, talent development lead at Watershed, says: “It can be incredibly difficult for young people to get a foot in the door of the creative industries. Creative Workforce for the Future tackles this issue head on, bridging the gap between underrepresented young people and creative companies who are excited to embrace new voices within their teams.”

One creative quarter that I recommend visiting is Paintworks. Owned to multiple businesses including the warehouse for TV favourite Deal or No Deal? The paintworks involve a series of living and creative quarters, as well as, a pizzeria for all you foodies called the Boca bar. 

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  Paintworks Bristol- Creative Commons

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  Paintworks Art Exhibit- Creative Commons

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  Boca Bar Pizzeria- Creative Commons

Street Art and Exhibitions

Ask anyone who has visited Bristol. They will be sure to tell you about the vibrant street art that lights up the city. No wonder it is the home of Global artist Bansky that has positioned his most famous paintings around the city. Including the: Well hung lover and mild mild west.

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  Banksy- Well Hung Lover- Creative Commons

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  Banksy Street Art- Creative Commons
  

Spectators from all areas of the globe have flocked to Bristol to experience the immersive street art that exhibits Bristol. As Ian Hargreaves says: the south west accounts for 8% of the creative economy workforce. There is always new exhibits to view.

Other art exhibitions include the find Gromit campaign which saw multiple painted statues of Gromit dotted around the city. The biggest street art in Europe, Upfest, is definetely worth a visit next year.

Music

Bristol owns the most versatile music facilities to all ages, culture and interests. For me, the Bristol music scene is the most unique in England.

Like techno dance music? Motion night club is the place to be for large-scale DJ sets. Household names including: Pete Tong, Peggy Got and Bicep have performed in the popular warehouse. As the 11th best nightclub in the world that invites individuals from all walks of life there is something for everyone to have a good boogie. 

Bicep at Motion Bristol: Credit YouTube

How about sipping a beer while watching live bands? The Fleece located in Long Ashton offers seven nights a week for niche upcoming and established bands to showcase their music. The cosy nightclub is an essential visit for those who enjoy a mix of socialising and live music.

The Fleece Bristol: credit creative commons

Food

My Favourite part…

As a culturally vibrant city Bristol offers the best street food. Around the city there are clusters of delicious food cuisines and markets that cater to dishes from all around the globe. Whatever you fancy. Bristol has it.

Personally, St Nicolas market stands out for me. Located in between the shopping and harbour district, the market has stalls of the Aromatic tastes of the middle east, spicy infusion of Caribbean and succulent tastes of American cuisine. Not only does the market sell delicious food, there is opportunities for innovative creators to sell: jewellery, clothes and ornaments.

As Jim McGain says: Cultural production is characterised typically by very complex divisions of labour, not only in terms of specialised jobs but also in terms of spatial distribution of functions’ (2010)

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  St Nicolas market- Creative Commons

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  Eat A pitta- St Nicolas Market- Photo

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  Caribbean Wrap- Image- Bristol Post

What marks Bristol’s food industry as a special cluster in creative economy is the role of food markets in creative festivals.

St Pauls Carnival, positioned in the summer months is a music and food festival that allows: niche performers to showcase reggae beats, households to sell their daily- Caribbean recipes out of their door and individuals to dress artistically.

Thank You Bristol!

These are the few of many offerings Bristol has as a creative city. wherever and whoever you are Bristol is definitely worth the visit.

Bristol’s Rebirth as a Ruggedly Creative City (C2007995)

Photo by Dana Armstrong

When most envision creative cities, their minds dart to high art, high fashion, high-earning businesses, and even higher rent costs such as in London, Paris, Tokyo, and New York City. But what if a highly creative city didn’t have to come with such a high and mighty association?

Enter Bristol, England.

Once known as the UK’s shipping and industrial hotspot, Bristol is now better known for skillfully treading the line between artistry and accessibility. It’s a booming city with a rugged, independent spirit. This can be found in its myriad of independent businesses, local arts spaces, and thriving street art scene.

What makes a creative city?

Photo by Dana Armstrong

According to Richard Florida, ‘leading creative centers’ typically have an older urban center with a rebirth of creativity, innovative technology, and lifestyle amenities that appeal to the creative class and the youth. Terry Flew further specifies that creative clusters often emerge from transforming ‘old buildings and derelict industrial-era sites’ into artistic centers, creative spaces, and apartment buildings.

This transformation is exactly what Bristol did with many of its old, industrial buildings. Here are just a few examples of creative industries that have transformed in Bristol to make it one of the UK and Europe’s most creative cities.

Film

Home to Cary Grant and Aardman Animations (of Wallace and Gromit fame), Bristol is classified as a UNESCO city of film.

The converted Watershed cinema along Bristol’s harbourside
Photo by Dana Armstrong

Right along the harbourside, you can catch an independent, art film at the Watershed (converted boat-houses) and Arnolfini (a converted 19^th century warehouse). For those who prefer more intimate viewings, pop-up cinemas are organized by different churches and pubs throughout the week.

The BBC also has a broadcasting house in Bristol for its West region which has been running since 1934. The house is best known for producing natural history programming and BBC Radio Bristol.

Street Art

Take a turn down a narrow alleyway or a glance up at a building top in Bristol, and you may just discover a colorful, graphic surprise. Street artists from all over the UK and the world flock to Bristol for Upfest—an annual independently-run street art festival that repaints the city’s walls.

Commissioned art on the side of The Full Moon hostel and Attic Bar
Photo by Dana Armstrong

When Upfest isn’t in town, you can find art year-round in the Upfest Gallery or on a Banksy/graffiti walking tour. Many businesses even commission local artists to paint their buildings for advertising.

Live Performance

Bristol’s Hippodrome stages Broadway and West End musicals, plays, comedy shows, ballets, and musical concerts. But go a little further to Southville and you’ll find an independent take on live performances: Tobacco Factory Theatres—aptly named for once housing the 19^th century Wills Tobacco Company. Along with supporting local theatre productions, the Tobacco Factory features a ‘Café Bar, Makers Market, meeting spaces, the offices of several creative organisations, a performing arts school and residential apartments.’

Co-Working Spaces

Artspace Bristol operated in an empty Victorian warehouse from the mid-1970s to 1989 when it moved to the abandoned dockside buildings of Spike Island. Today, it’s a leading co-working space for artists.

‘Spike Island is one of Europe’s largest studio complexes. We are home to over 70 artists, over 35 creative businesses, over 160 Associates, and hundreds of MA/BA Fine Art students of UWE Bristol. Our community is built to support artists to develop their careers, gain new knowledge, and grow their networks.’ –Spike Island webpage

Graffiti-tagged street of Bristol
Photo by Dana Armstrong

While some argue that Bristol’s creative rebirth is part of its gentrification—which rising housing prices can attest to—others look to Bristol as inspiration for the future of other post-industrial cities.

Though physically visiting Bristol and its creative spaces may be impossible in this era of COVID-19, virtually visiting Bristol is easier than ever. Click here for a virtual vacation.