Motion has launched a new space in the city centre that aims to be a "hub for underground art, music and experimental sound." Called Document, the project is housed inside a former 1990s document storage facility on Pennywell Street in the St Jude’s area.
The converted industrial unit encompasses a 3,000-capacity event space, full gym, meeting rooms, bar and 1000 sq metre of studios. Split into five different zones, there are artists’ studios, workspaces, and hot desks alongside an exhibition space and a music venue.
The team behind the popular Bristol nightclub posted on Instagram saying: "We’re redefining coworking, offering artists, freelancers and small businesses the opportunity to congregate and collaborate across the footprint of our building."
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The space is already in use, playing host to Alfresco Disco and nearly 1,500 partygoers on New Year’s Eve and housing artists, collectives and creatives in its workspaces. On Document's website, Tracey Gudonis, the designer of the large modular Studio space, said: “The community we’ve created is warm, diverse, and so inspiring. In the main studio, we have 70 residents, including poets, writers, fine artists, product designers, dressmakers, architects, printers, upholsterers, graffiti artists, PHD students, charities, NGOs, small businesses, garden designers, photographers, we even have a luthier; the list goes on!
"We now also provide space for a number of tattoo artists, a few clothing brands, web designers, and so much more. Personally, I feel like I’m surrounded by incredible people and our social events are so much fun.
“We’re committed to keeping the space competitively priced in order for it to be accessible to people from all walks of life. We offer free and discounted spaces to young people who would otherwise not be able to access suitable space for their practice and have offered use of the space to local community groups and organisations.
"Inside the space, we share funding and exhibition opportunities with one another, as well as job opportunities and social events. Many people eat together in the communal kitchen space, and we have a ‘free shop’ where people donate useful art materials, supplies and equipment.”
"Our main challenges have been business rates, plus heating and energy costs. Bristol Council are supportive but business rates are increasing again in April 2023 and the energy crisis is incredibly challenging. We will continue to do all we can to keep prices down but this year is certainly going to be a struggle. Our priority is to keep the space open and available for everyone who needs it.”
Upcoming events at Documents include an evening of boxing and Carribean cuisine on February 25 where attendees will get to watch 20 different fights, including a four-man middleweight tournament while dining on dishes from Gullus Kitchen and listening to music from rap/soul artist Krush Landing and performer Andrew Whisker.
On March 18 it will play host to the UK's first gluten, dairy and refined sugar-free festival with 100s of artisan sellers.
To celebrate the launch of Document, Motion is giving away four VIP passes and a £100 bar tab for any event at Motion to someone following @document.bristol
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