Partnership between Arnolfini and UWE Bristol Announced

This spring an exciting partnership will be confirmed between Arnolfini and UWE Bristol to enrich the culture and art offerings at Bristol’s historic Harbourside.

The much anticipated partnership will be finalised in the next few months and is expected to see the two well respected organisations share resources and facilities, as well as collaborating on education workshops, events and seminars. Combining the resources and creativity of both institutions will see an increase in academic research and a new offering of dynamic programme exhibitions, talks and other interactive activities.   

Kate Brindley, Arnolfini's Director commented, “We are delighted to have agreed in principle such an important partnership with UWE Bristol which enables an exciting new future for Arnolfini and provides visitors to the organisation with a fantastic new offer. We are looking forward to working with our new partners”

Professor Steve West, Vice-Chancellor of UWE said, “We are thrilled to be entering into this exciting partnership with Arnolfini, which has the potential to extend and enhance the Faculty's footprint and engagement within Bristol. The combined expertise and excellence of Arnolfini and UWE Bristol will create new routes into learning and employment for our students. By combining our knowledge and interest in the arts we can offer both UWE Bristol students and Arnolfini visitors and the wider community so much more than the sum of our parts.”

George Ferguson, Mayor of Bristol commented, “This creative partnership has the potential to be hugely beneficial not only for Arnolfini and UWE Bristol but for the city as a whole. The Arts are at the heart of Bristol's cultural and economic success. It has been estimated recently that for every £1 invested in the arts in Bristol, £4 is contributed to the wider city economy – this represents excellent added value."

Cllr Simon Cook Assistant Mayor for Culture said, “This partnership is a great opportunity to bring together two organisations which have been dedicated to promoting and exploring creativity. By combining their efforts they will be able to provide Bristol with a wonderful new cultural quarter in the heart of the city that can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England, said, “I warmly welcome this prospective partnership between Arnolfini and UWE, which opens up exciting opportunities for both organisations and has the potential to be nationally significant. Engagement between higher education and the cultural sector is increasingly important and we can see the benefits that this is already bringing to Bristol, a city with a reputation for being at the forefront of creative talent.”