Arnolfini and UWE Bristol have forged a new partnership to enhance the art and cultural offer on Bristol’s Harbourside.
Under the link-up, which will be agreed in full this spring, the two organisations will share resources and facilities and collaborate on programming and education workshops, seminars and events, and academic research.
The combined creativity and resources of both organisations will enable them to offer a dynamic programme of exhibitions, talks and other activities to an increased audience. 
Arnolfini director Kate Brindley, pictured, said the partnership would usher in an exciting new future for Arnolfini and provide visitors with a fantastic new offer.
UWE vice-chancellor Professor Steve West added: “We are thrilled to be entering into this exciting partnership with Arnolfini, which has the potential to extend and enhance the Faculty’s footprint and engagement within Bristol.
“The combined expertise and excellence of Arnolfini and UWE Bristol will create new routes into learning and employment for our students. By combining our knowledge and interest in the arts we can offer both UWE Bristol students and Arnolfini visitors and the wider community so much more than the sum of our parts.”
The move was welcomed by Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson, who said it had the potential to be hugely beneficial not only for Arnolfini and UWE Bristol but for the city as a whole.
“The arts are at the heart of Bristol’s cultural and economic success. It has been estimated recently that for every £1 invested in the arts in Bristol, £4 is contributed to the wider city economy – this represents excellent added value.”
Assistant mayor for culture Cllr Simon Cook said the partnership was a great opportunity to bring together two organisations which had been dedicated to promoting and exploring creativity.
“By combining their efforts they will be able to provide Bristol with a wonderful new cultural quarter in the heart of the city that can be enjoyed by everyone,” he said.
Arts Council England South West director Phil Gibby added: “I warmly welcome this prospective partnership between Arnolfini and UWE, which opens up exciting opportunities for both organisations and has the potential to be nationally significant.
“Engagement between higher education and the cultural sector is increasingly important and we can see the benefits that this is already bringing to Bristol, a city with a reputation for being at the forefront of creative talent.”
Arnolfini is one of Europe’s leading centres for the contemporary arts and stages innovative work in the visual arts, performance, dance, film, music and events, accompanied by a programme of learning and participation activities.
It has five exhibition spaces, a theatre/cinema auditorium, reading room and light/dark studios housed in the Grade II listed converted waterfront warehouse.
