Diaspora Island gathers Bristol-based artists with roots across the world, weaving together perspectives on the human condition and the shifting meaning of home. Moving between folk tales, dance, and acts of resistance, the exhibition traces how memory, culture, and activism intertwine to shape identity across borders. Curated by Emma Allen. Woven Narratives and Batik Flag… Continue Reading Voices of the Diaspora
This hugely popular annual event gives you access to explore the studios, see works-in-progress, learn about different creative processes, and buy unique work directly from the artists. The family-friendly programme includes events, performances and workshops for you to test your own creative skills and experience artists’ ideas first-hand. In Spike Island’s galleries, discover major exhibitions… Continue Reading Spike Island Open Studios
First Friday is a monthly social and showcasing event open to anyone. It takes place in the Pervasive Media Studio every First Friday throughout the year except for August and January. As well as the chance to socialise in the Pervasive Media Studio, attendees joining the event will also get to see a selection of… Continue Reading First Friday
Come and join us for the launch of the Voices of DIASPORA! exhibition, curated by artist Emma Allen, showing at The Island from 1-4 May. It is a chance to preview the work, meet the practitioners involved, including artists from the Black Creatives. This event takes place straight after the DIASPORA! 2026 Opening Ceremony. Age:… Continue Reading Voices of DIASPORA! Launch Party
Join us at The Station for the launch of DIASPORA! 2026, our city-wide celebration of cultural diversity through the arts. This event marks the official opening of the festival and offers an opportunity to gather with members of the Diverse Artists Network community. To take part in a special celebration of the water with a… Continue Reading DIASPORA! 2026 Opening Ceremony
Explore safety, support and grounding within your mind and body in this workshop embodying the earth element through creative visualisation. Over 2 hours, you’ll be guided through embodied movement, meditation, pastel creation and reflective journaling, and take home your own canvas picture. No experience needed. Tea, mats and materials provided. Book your tickets here. Facilitated… Continue Reading Meditate & Create
With a unique electronic and jazz fusion, Brian d’Souza’s Auntie Flo live band brings together a host of talented musicians from around the world to perform tracks spanning five acclaimed albums worth of material. Book tickets here. Venue: Strange Brew Ages: 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by adult) For access information refer to venue’s… Continue Reading Auntie Flo (full band show) + Moncaya LIVE
Reflecting on an increasingly digitised world, JASAD (Arabic for Body) draws from the breath-centred essence of the Nay (ca. 5,000 BC) to create a distinctive solo setup. In this performance, Faris Ishaq plays the Nay and a leg-mounted frame drum simultaneously. Drawing from his global jazz background, Faris fuses original Tashbib melodies, a percussive and… Continue Reading Faris Ishaq in Concert
Head to the Pipe & Slippers on Stokes Croft for a stellar DJ set from Devon-born artist, Somatic. No need to book, just turn up. Known for his boundary-defying sets, Somatic blends global sounds ranging from and Reggaeton to Jungle and Bollywood Bass. His track Fighting Fear has gained over 850k plays, and his versatile… Continue Reading Somatic DJ Set
Mestre Gilmar Santana is a master of maracatu de baque virado from Igarassu, Pernambuco, Brazil, and a direct heir of a long-standing family tradition. He is the grandson of Dona Mariu and the son of Dona Olga, who passed this cultural knowledge through generations. Today, he leads the Maracatu Estrela Brilhante de Igarassu, a maracatu… Continue Reading Afon Sistema with Mestre of Maracatu
Kilengi Dance Party is coming back to The Jam Jar this May. What better way to kick off DIASPORA! than at Bristol’s newest global bass party? Curated by DJ, bassist and producer Marla Kether, Kilengi is a celebration of dance music from the afrodiaspora. Expect Afro House, Baile Funk, Dembow, Amapaino, Kuduro, GQOM, Bubbling, Bouyon… Continue Reading Marla Kether Presents: Kilengi Dance Party
Join Circomedia in Portland Square this Early May Bank Holiday weekend for a fantastic, diaspora-led day of free, family friendly activities. No need to book, just turn up. The Circomedia team will be filling the square outside their St. Paul’s Church venue with joy and creativity. From participatory circus and performance workshops and shows, to… Continue Reading Circus in St Pauls
