Spike Island was founded as a limited company 'Artspace Bristol' (Artists' Studio Provision) in 1976 by a group of six artists in a disused Victorian building next to Bristol's docks.
In December 1998 Artspace Bristol Limited changed its name to 'Spike Island Artspace Limited'. It now occupies a former Brooke Bond tea packing factory. Spike Island is a place for the production and exhibition of contemporary art and design, with over 70 artist studios. It offers a public programme of art exhibitions, talks and events.
Spike Island is home to Spike Design, a co-working, incubator space for start-up creative businesses.
In 2015 Spike Island became a member of the Plus Tate network which now has 35 members. The Plus Tate network brings together a variety of organisations from all parts of the UK, including Fruitmarket Gallery, John Hansard Gallery, Modern Art Oxford and Nottingham Contemporary.
Exhibitions have included artists such as Andy Holden, David Batchelor, Ivan Seal, Richard Long, Corita Kent and Ciara Phillips.
Archives
Records of Spike Island Artspace are held at Bristol Archives (Ref. 45338) (online catalogue).