Arnolfini

Bristol primary exhibitions space also hosts music events.


Known for its gallery space and exhibitions, it's easy to forget that the Arnolfini also hosts some unique music events (1 or 2 a month). Technically the venue excels with its main auditorium boasting a high spec PA, large stage and quality lighting setup.

Unsurprisingly the Arnolfini's (music) programming bears strong links with Bristol's arts scene. While shows are diverse, alt-indie, folk and electronica bookings are undeniably prevalent. Past guests include Dirty Projectors, Polar Bear, Tunng and Tim Hecker.Considering the popularity of experimental, modern music amongst Bristol's art crowd it's worth nothing that such events are popular and frequently sell out well in advance.

What's On At Arnolfini

A Year Of Deep Listening at Arnolfini
— Arnolfini
contemporary classical experimental drone lgbtq+ workshops & classes
Tavaziva Dance: Greed at Arnolfini
— Arnolfini
experimental theatre
Arnolfini Online Portrait Club at Arnolfini
— Arnolfini
workshops & classes life drawing
Queer Poetry Special | Joelle Taylor + Open Mic at Arnolfini
— Arnolfini
open mic lgbtq+ spoken word poetry festival
Cane, Corn & Gully at Arnolfini
— Arnolfini
spoken word poetry festival
Raise the Bar | Poetry and Resistance at Arnolfini
— Arnolfini
spoken word poetry talks festival
Romantics, Mystics & Revolutionaries at Arnolfini
— Arnolfini
spoken word poetry talks festival
Lyra Bristol Poetry Slam 2025 | Grand Finals at Arnolfini
— Arnolfini
spoken word poetry festival
Hark, How Women Listen at Arnolfini
— Arnolfini
talks
Creative Adult Wellbeing Workshops at Arnolfini
— Arnolfini
workshops & classes
Creative Adult Wellbeing Workshops at Arnolfini
— Arnolfini
workshops & classes
Creative Adult Wellbeing Workshops 1-3pm at Arnolfini
— Arnolfini
workshops & classes
Creative Adult Wellbeing Workshops 1-3pm at Arnolfini
— Arnolfini
workshops & classes
Creative Adult Wellbeing workshops at Arnolfini
— Arnolfini
workshops & classes
Creative Adult Wellbeing Workshops 1-3pm at Arnolfini
— Arnolfini
workshops & classes

Get a feel for Arnolfini

Our recent recommendations for Arnolfini

Music crams our modern lives, but how much are we really listening? I mean…realllllllly. Drawing on Pauline Oliveros’ meditative, consciousness expanding Deep Listening practice, Dan Johnson (EP/64) leads a cast of special guests and audience members on a musical quest for total ambient fulfilment. A Year Of Deep Listening at Arnolfini.

A resonant evening with the Bristol Ensemble, showcasing contemporary classical music’s emotional and structural depths: Hannah Kendall’s ‘Glances / I Don’t Belong Here’ explores self and place with poignancy; Errollyn Wallen’s ‘Romeo Turn’ offers a vibrant reimagining of traditional chamber music; and John Adams’ ‘Shaker Loops’ captivates with its hypnotic minimalism. Three contemporary works for string quartet, performed by the Bristol Ensemble.

Acclaimed contemporary classical combining immersive live performance and visual artistry: chamber instrumentalist duo George Barton and Siwan Rhys join experimental Welsh violinist Angharad Davies to deliver delicate and reflective reconstructions of Davies’ past compositions. Electrifying percussion and piano duo GBSR (George Barton and Siwan Rhys) present work by, and with, one of Europe’s leading free improvisers and experimental violinists, Angharad Davies.

Sell out warning! A late night journey through immersive art worlds, featuring the Shui Mo Ensemble responding to Kawauchi’s luminescent photographic works with their mixture of Western classical and East Asian folk instruments. Elsewhere, expect everything from field recordings and sound art to tea ceremonies and drawing workshops across 3 floors. It’s the Fini like you’ve never seen it before…. An immersive event, exploring our exhibition through sound, tea, and creativity

No-one is free until we are all free! Bristol Palestine Film Festival closes with an all-encompassing documentary rallying for an end to the intergenerational persecution and oppression of the Palestinian people. Where Olive Trees Weep is another landmark of compassion, truth and solidarity on film. Heartbreakingly beautiful documentary explores the possibilities of facing and healing trauma for Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. With Ahed Tamimi and Dr Gabor Maté.