On your marks, get set, Sparks!
We’re incredibly excited to announce that we’re going to be part of Sparks Bristol – a new creative arts and sustainability hub opening Saturday 13 May in the old M&S building in Broadmead.
This Department store with a difference will offer shopping, advice, events and art installations on the ground floor. There will be plenty to explore in each department – Fashion, Travel, Garden, Gifts, Re-Use, Food and Energy – each run by various local organisations including Travelwest, MILA Plants, Bristol Energy Network, A Single Thread and… EMMAUS BRISTOL.
In our section, we will be offering a range of homeware items, electrical items and pre-loved and quirky furniture, most of it expertly upcycled by two people we support at our homelessness charity. We will offer delivery at a small additional cost for shoppers who are purchasing large items, so there’s no need to worry about how you will get your new upcycled piece home on your bike!
The first floor will provide studio, workshop, office and performance spaces for local artists. Both floors will be open over the launch weekend with exhibitions, discussion and music. It’s the same weekend that the Invisible Circus are holding the first of their street theatre weekends in Broadmead as part of their WOW festival. Look out for the giant butterflies, hedgehogs and kangaroos!
This opportunity has come around at a perfect time for our charity. We recently had to close one of our three shops which generates funding to provide accommodation, support and training to help formerly homeless people rebuild their lives. Being part of Sparks Bristol means we can help to drive sustainability in our city, whilst also generating vital income for our work.
Sparks Bristol has been created by Global Goals Centre and Artspace Lifespace with the aim to provide a vibrant, positive venue where local people and visitors can shop, recycle and explore what a greener, fairer and creative future could look like.
“It’ll still be a department store but just with the occasional surprise. We hope that we can engage a lot more people in feeling hopeful, in finding inspiration to be part of change for a better city and for a better world.”
Jenny Foster – Global Goals Centre
Sparks Bristol launch weekend is Saturday 13 May from 12 to 6pm and Sunday 14 May from 11 to 5pm. Please stop by to explore and shop!
