A 1950's former tea-packing factory now home to a hub of Bristol's artists. It's a pivotal part of the city's artist-led initiatives and is due to be completely refurbished with new gallery space, a reading room and a cafe bar by early 2007. They produce a critical journal and commission works around Bristol entitled 'Spike in the City.' Over the May Bank Holiday weekend each year they host their Open Studios event allowing the public in beyond the galleries. The opening Friday night party for Open Studios is a boozy glut of trendy art types and a lot of fun.

133 Cumberland Road, BS1 6UX;
tel: 0117 929 2266; email: admin@spikeisland.org.uk;
www.spikeisland.org.uk

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The Epstein Building, which houses Mivart Studios, began life as a Victorian factory. The collective of artists, performers, designers and furniture makers who now occupy the premises have an open studios weekend in the middle of October every year when the public are welcomed in to peruse the ongoing creative work.

Epstein Building, Mivart Street, Easton, BS5 6JL; tel: 0117 330 5209;
www.mivartartists.co.uk

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Britain's oldest working theatre that began life circa 1766. Under the recent stewardship of Artistic Directors Simon Reade and Rebecca Morland it has had no end of gushing praise from national theatre critics. The main auditorium is an architectural asset in itself.

King Street, BS1 4ED;
tel: 0117 987 7877;
www.bristol-old-vic.co.uk

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Downstairs there is a bar and cafe with a decent menu to choose from and bean bags to recline in. Upstairs there is exhibition space for artists and a theatre. On the third Sunday of every month there is an ever popular market selling local and organic produce. Architect George Ferguson's salvage and renovation of this building has done a great deal to revive this part of south Bristol. A great place to visit for those with an interest in urban regeneration or who may just fancy a bevvy.

Raleigh Road, Southville BS3 1TF;
tel: 0117 963 0960
www.tobaccofactory.com

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A small gallery exhibiting a selection of works by established and new artists. All the art is for sale. Probably the best part of the gallery is the courtyard out the back with a hillside view of some of the city centre.

15 Christmas Steps, BS1 5BS;
tel: 0117 930 4137;
www.stepsgallery.co.uk

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Ditching the traditional gallery structure, Plan 9 is an artist-led group that stages arts events and exhibitions around Bristol. Given their peripatetic nature it's best to check their website to find out where their latest venture is taking place.

www.plan9.org.uk

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Bristol based visual artists are routinely snubbed by the City Museum & Art Gallery as well as other organisations in the city. They have increasingly taken the initiative themselves. R O O M was established in 2003 as an artist/ architect collaboration. It hosts exhibitions, talks and films and sells contemporary art work.

4 Alfred Place, Redcliff BS1 6ST; tel: 0117 927 3778;
www.roomartspace.co.uk

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The former Fireboat Station sits on the cobbled quayside in the shadow of St Mary Redcliffe church. An artist-led initiative has transformed the diminutive building into an exhibition space for contemporary art worth peeking into.

Walk down Lower Guinea Street, Redcliffe BS1 to the quayside and turn right.

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A collective of artists occupying a large old fire station. Usually closed to the public, but they have an annual Open Studios event over the first weekend in May.

39 Jamaica Street, BS2 8JP;
tel: 0117 9241171;
www.jamaicastreetartists.co.uk

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