Bricks 2024: End of Year Reflection
As 2024 comes to a close, we want to celebrate and take a moment to reflect on the milestones we’ve achieved as an organisation and as a community together.
From major public art commissions to exciting opportunities and community-focused projects, it’s been an incredible year of creativity, collaboration, and growth!
What’s Happened This Year?
Public Art Projects and Commissions
Brick Kiln Road
On Thursday 15th February, the commissioned artists; Art and Energy Collective, ran their Mossy Carpet workshops for pre-school children at Raised In Bristol Felix Road Nursery and for children and their families at Eastside Community Trust’s Felix Road Adventure Playground. We sat next to each other, told stories and learned how to sew and crochet. We learnt how to BE MORE MOSS and to give more back and take less from the planet!
“The children really enjoyed themselves and were wonderfully engaged in what was explained and demonstrated to them. Being outside, learning and being creative at the same time seemed to capture their interests.” – Raised In Bristol Felix Road Nursery
Alongside the workshop the team recorded a podcast episode for Bricks Podcast titled: Hope, Climate, Moss and Creativity.
Join Chloe, Naomi and Jenny from The Art and Energy Collective on this episode of Bricks Podcast as they take us on a journey through climate action, collective creativity and the surprising ways in which we can learn from moss.
Find out more about the project
Welcome Building, Temple Quarter
In March 2024, Dorcas Casey, a multidisciplinary artist based in Bristol, with an interest in dreams, intuition, folk rituals, memory, and stories was selected for the major Public Art Commission at Welcome Building, Temple Quarter.
“I’m really excited about this project with a personal connection to this area having lived here for a long time. This is an area of constant flux and change and I’m interested in making a still moment amongst that; a space for something mysterious and magical to emerge in the heart of the city.”
– Dorcas Casey
Engagement
Alongside a final artwork, this year Dorcas has been running a public engagement programme across Bristol and local areas to the site.
In April Dorcas began to attend community groups, from Morning Meet-ups, to 4 O’Clock Clubs and Youth Sessions to begin her participatory programme of creative workshops. In October Dorcas held a session at The Dings Community Fun Day to meet fellow locals, introduce them into the artwork, and to get creative.
Keep your eyes peeled for the reveal of Dorcas’ final artwork in the new year!
Find out more about the project
St Anne’s House
St Anne’s House continues to flourish as a hub for creativity and community. This year, we’ve welcomed new faces, hosted inspiring events, and supported ambitious programmes led by the people of Bristol.
Visit our St Anne’s House blog post to explore all the highlights from 2024.
We expanded our team and network, recruiting for key roles such as Head of Operations, Head of Programme, Youth Programme Producer, Heads of Finance, Social Impact Consultant, and new Trustees.
Additionally, we partnered with a UWE MA Curating Placement to offer hands-on experience in arts programming. Visit Katie’s end of year project here, titled “Dear Future Brislington” and get involved.
Find out more
Bricks Upcoming Opportunities:
Apply for our Public Art Open Call for the Dovercourt Rd, Lockleaze development:
Deadline: 10am, 20th January 2025
This past month (December) we shared an open call for an artist/s to deliver the public art programme on behalf of Vistry Group (the client) and Goram Homes (landowner), who are bringing forward land on Dovercourt Road at the former Bristol City Council depot for development. The scheme includes 140 new homes, alongside public open space and landscaping.
With a budget of £34,500 plus VAT, this is an opportunity for a local artist to develop:
- A public artwork and/or creative experiential programme for new and existing nearby residents.
- A podcast episode.
- A community engagement programme, delivered by either the commissioned artist or a third party.
What spaces do you need?
Have your say as we gather ideas for the spaces communities and creatives need in Bristol and the West to report back to developers.
Visit our Bricks page here to fill in the form, and share your needs and wants.
Support Our Mission and Community
We need your support to continue the work of Bricks into 2025 and beyond. Every donation and room hire through St Anne’s House directly funds the physical upkeep of this community space and the activities happening.
Donate Today – Your contribution helps us continue to grow.
Book a Room – For an event, workshop, or meeting, your booking makes a real difference.
Have Your Say For What Happens in the Space
We are always wanting to hear from you about what you’d like to see happen in the SAH space and communities. There are lots of ways you can get involved, from popping along and having a chat, to joining the action group and being part of a group of local people shaping the direction of the space.If you have an idea or suggestion please read more or get in touch at stannes@bricksbristol.org.
Stay in touch in 2024:
Sign up to our dedicated Bricks newsletter here, for opportunities, updates, what’s on, and stories.
Follow us on socials: @bricksbristol for highlights, stories, updates, and opportunities.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, let’s make 2025 just as fun and as impactful!
