Interaction

Arnolfini is a space for ideas and a place where all can find something to see and do. It is a stimulating environment for learning and a place where people can spend time engaging with art and ideas.

There are a number of ways in which you can do this:

SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

We offer tours, talks and workshops geared to your needs. Please contact Frances via the contact details below to find out more. 

FAMILIES

Try something new or just stand back and watch. Mash Up is a family activity day for all ages and in particular parents/carers who want to explore art and ideas with their children. Join our experienced team of artists for drop-in workshops to create, experience and explore contemporary art. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

YOUNG PEOPLE

We have recently recruited a group of art students aged between 17-18 from North Bristol Post 16 Centre (Cotham School). They form the Young Arnolfini Artists Collective (YAAC) and will be infiltrating the gallery with a barrage of ideas, artwork, talks, discussions and workshops. YAAC is a self run youth initiative group that will work with the Arnolfini to plan and deliver events to people of their generation. They will represent the younger artists of Bristol and work with the Arnolfini to make contemporary art more accessible for young people.

‘I think it’s really important that people my age get the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate art in all its forms’ Jessie Padfield

‘I believe Art should be accessible by all and that it is important to develop an interest from a young age. Exhibitions which are made to be interactive and to capture the attention of all visitors are a perfect way for them to understand and enjoy the arts’ Jennie Lodge.

www.theyaac.co.uk

WORK PLACEMENTS

We run an innovative work experience programme designed to engage 15 -20 young people of diverse abilities, from schools across the South West. Projects explore all aspects of Arnolfini -  how it works and what happens here. Throughout the week, they gather information to answer a brief, with the intended outcome to be used by Arnolfini. Working with artists and designers, their ideas are realized and the results are always imaginative, high quality and have achieved some of the most talked about aspects of Arnolfini's programme. Over the last couple of years we have had requests from 150 young people to complete their work experience with us. Demand is high and booking is essential.

If you would like to apply for Work Experience with us please send an email or letter to francesbossom@arnolfini.org.uk outlining why your interests and why you have chosen to apply to Arnolfini.

PROJECTS

For details of projects that the Interaction team have been working on.

Current projects 

PAST PROJECTS

For details of past projects that the team have worked on

link here

TOURS AND TALKS PROGRAMME

We run an extensive tour series that runs alongside our exhibitions programme. Our approach is experimental around the format of a tour from ‘In Conversation’ events, tours led by young people, interactive events and British Sign Language tours. Our talks series runs primarily on a Wednesday or Thursday evening in partnership with a number of organisations across Bristol including The Architecture Centre, Bristol City Council Public Art Department and University of the West of England.

 Link to events to find out what's available

COMMUNITY AND USEFUL LINKS

We work with a number of groups on a regular basis such as art+power, Studio Upstairs, Artists First and Firebird Theatre. Plus links to other organisations that you may find useful.

Organisation links

READING ROOM

 We have a comprehensive resource space on the second floor, currently open Fri, Sat & Sun, 12 noon - 6pm, with books and videos to look at in the space. There is a regular Reading Group for people interested in researching and discussing the ideas that inform Arnolfini's programme.
FFI contact readingroom@arnolfini.org.uk

Download Arnolfini resources past and present

You can find out more about what our approach is in our Interaction Ethos paper.
 We are happy to talk to you about what you'd like to get out of a visit to Arnolfini.

Please contact:

Frances Bossom
Participation and Outreach Co-ordinator
frances.bossom@arnolfini.org.uk
Tel: 0117 917 2314