Photoshoots

Touring Exhibitions

Solo shows

Photoshoots and Filming

Colleges and Charities

Exhibitions, Filming and Photoshoots

The Event Space is undoubtedly one of Bristol’s most stunning Exhibition venues, it’s a creative environment that showcases art, photography and sculpture effortlessly well. We’ve played host to some of Bristol's most notable exhibitions over the past sixteen years, from amazing solo exhibitions to large collective shows, here are just a few: Sunday Times Newseum, Barry Cawston Avonmouth to Amazon, Kathryn Thomas Light Years, Carol Peace 2006, 2008 and 2017, Dreweatts Urban Art and Falmouth University. Filming works amazingly well here too as the space is so versatlie, from small interviews to large scale production-crew dramas, get in touch to find out more.

  • Stunning and versatile blank canvas venue for exhibitions, photo and film shoots in the heart of Bristol's Creative Quarter
  • A dedicated member of Event Staff for every event
  • Beautiful adjoining outdoor courtyards for private views, sculpture etc.
  • Free on-site parking for up to 40 cars
  • Close to City Centre and excellent public transport links
  • Available for weekly hire by application

Filming

We can host filming on site easily, with our large level loading bay for vehicles and general flexibility on site for large and small filming crews. In recent years we've had filming in for Panorama, ITV's The Long Call, Mistresses and Flatshare.

The Space

The Event Space has a raw quality, owing to its great proportions and mixture of exposed steel, brick and stonework, making it an exciting venue for exhibiting. Also it's flooded with natural light, providing a great day to night transition. Over past years Paintworks has become well known for its exhibitions and public events ranging from sculpture and fine art to media shows and art markets.

No commission is charged on the sale of art work and the venue does not provide invigilators. 

Private Views

Private Views can be customised, as with everything else at the Event Space, and hirers are able to arrange more than one private view during their run. Where alcohol is given rather than sold, the client is able to manage their own bar and canapes for a private view.

Opening Times

Opening times for exhibitions and private views are flexible.

Hanging System

The venue has a great, almost invisible, hanging system that runs around the whole of the space, offering a quick and easy system for displaying work. An additional £50 is charged per week for use of this system.

Lighting

There is no exhibition lighting at the venue currently, so specific lighting needs to be brought in. Lighting can be hired from our recommended supplier, or elsewhere, and varies widely in cost depending on the type of effect you want.

Marketing and PR Support

We offer a great supporting marketing package to our clients, including prominence on the Paintworks and Paintworks Events websites, our quarterly posters and flyers, which have a good city-wide distribution, our monthly press listings and the two large banner spaces that are available on site. We are also networked in with a number of organisation that feature our events.  

Hire Rates

Filming day hire rate (8am - 6pm) from £1250 - £2000 + vat, depending upon crew size, vehicles etc

Hire rates for exhibitions are given on application, we have a number of weeks per year that can be given at a subsidised rate for school, college or charity exhibitions, but this is subject to agreement with the venue manager.

Two weeks is the maximum period that the space can be hired for exhibitions, it can be hired for less than a week and all prices are subject to vat. If you are planning to charge for entry, or want to hold a commercial auction, a specific price can be given upon request.

Venue visits and finding out more

If you think that Paintworks may be a good option for your event, give us a call on 0117 971 4320 and we will arrange to meet you, show you around and discuss your plans. If you do decide to go ahead, we go through a hire agreement and charge a 50% deposit. From this point we work with you to help your ideas become a reality, and to help promote your exhibition.

Technical details

For a detailed description of the space, dimensions, suitability and maximum permissable loads, please see the about the space page.

Download the Event and Exhibition Brochure