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.
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
— Arnolfini
contemporary classical
experimental
drone
lgbtq+
workshops & classes
— Arnolfini
open mic
lgbtq+
spoken word
poetry
festival
— Arnolfini
spoken word
poetry
workshops & classes
festival
— Arnolfini
spoken word
poetry
workshops & classes
exhibition
festival
— Arnolfini
spoken word
poetry
talks
workshops & classes
festival
Get a feel for Arnolfini
Our recent recommendations for Arnolfini
A showstopping Lyrafest celebration of queer creativity! Headed up by powerhouse poet Joelle Taylor, one-time UK slam champion whose collection ‘C+nto & Othered Poems’ stormed the T. S. Eliot prize with its electric reconstructions of lesbian counterculture in 90s London. Plus open mic spots TBA for you LGBTQ+ Bristolian bards – keep your eyes peeled.
Queer Poetry Special | Joelle Taylor + Open Mic at Arnolfini.
Hypnotic movement, thunderous rhythms and raw physical intensity meets a striking exploration of wealth and power in acclaimed Zimbabwean choreographer Bawren Tavaziva’s interpretation of the seven deadly sins, fusing Western contemporary and African traditional dance with remarkable vision. Guaranteed to be breathtaking.
Tavaziva Dance: Greed at 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 treasury of lyrical wordplay and radical ideas for the decades! Celebrating ten years of bar-raising spoken work and live poetry, RTB and Lyrafest commence a ten-week writing exposition from esteemed performance alumni like Salena Godden, Travis Alabanza, Lowkey and more.
Poetry and Resistance: 10 Years of Raise the Bar. This powerful exhibition features poetry of revolution, resistance and activism, showcasing the power of poetry to question authority, speak up for the oppressed, and call for radical change.
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.