Summer Preview Evening

Arnolfini is Bristol’s International Centre for Contemporary Arts located on the harbourside in the heart of the city.Woven into the fabric of Bristol since 1961, Arnolfini is a pioneer of interdisciplinary contemporary arts, presenting an ambitious programme of visual art, performance, dance, film and music. Housed in a Grade II listed, accessible building at the heart of the harbourside, Arnolfini is an inspiring public space for contemporary arts and learning, welcoming half a million visitors each year and offering an innovative, inclusive and engaging experience for all. An internationally-renowned institution, Arnolfini supports and develops work by living artists, investigating their influences and aspirations, and celebrates the heritage and wide-reaching impact of the organisation by sharing a 60 year archive of exhibition slides, publications and artist book collection with the public and artists, inspiring new commissions.Arnolfini is an independent organisation and proud to be a part of theUniversity of the West of England, Bristol, supported byArts Council Englandand theAshley Clinton Barker-Mills Trust.As a charity, Arnolfini relies on donations to fund our activities. By donating, you can help us continue to provide free arts activities for all.Please donate when you next visit or online here.

Arnolfini

Join us for the summer preview of Arnolfini exhibitions: Jonathan Baldock: Held and Polly Braden: Against the Tide.

Be the first to explore the new exhibitions alongside the opening of Wiper and True and FED at Arnolfini Café Bar, who we are thrilled to announce our new partnership with.Full evening programme to be announced soon. All welcome, RSVP.

<h2>Jonathan Baldock: Held</h2><h2>27 June - 27 September 2026</h2>Known for his striking installations, Jonathan Baldock combines ceramics, textiles and sound to create environments that are both playful and thought-provoking. His work draws on folklore, traditional craft and personal history, shaped by skills passed down through generations of making.Held features a monumental wild bear sculpture, commissioned by Arnolfini. It invites visitors into a direct physical encounter — not to be held, but to hold us.

<h2>Polly Braden: Against the Tide</h2><h2>27 June - 27 September 2026</h2>Known for her intimate, long-term collaborations, Polly Braden’s work focuses on overlooked communities and social issues, and her distinctive style combines quiet observation with deep empathy.Against the Tide is a project led by Braden in collaboration with journalist Lisa Bachelor as part of The Guardian's Seascape series. The pair have spent more than a year visiting coastal locations, talking to young people about their lives and what matters to them. The result is a layered picture of coastal England and Wales today that goes beyond the usual, negative portrayals and which shines a light on the hope that is sometimes hidden from public view.

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Summer Preview Evening

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Summer Preview Evening

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Arnolfini

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