People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Anna Haydock-Wilson
Anna Haydock-Wilson is an artist who develops and produces arts activities and events within diverse communities “in order to bring people together, explore social and environmental realities, enjoy creative processes and help to amplify under-represented voices”.
For more than a decade, she has led Art under the Flyover, exploring creative ways that the local community could be involved in the regeneration of the Cumberland Piazza in Hotwells.
Anna’s new exhibition, Place Portrait, is at Spike Island from from September 30 to January 14 2024. Developed over the past year in collaboration with four Creative Youth Network alumni, the multimedia installation “examines the complexity of a specific area, as well as how people experience and perceive different places”.
is needed now More than ever
These are Anna’s top-five Bristol favourites:
St Anne’s House
St Anne’s House is a creative and community hub in St Anne’s – photo: Bricks Bristol
“Near to the beautiful Nightingale Valley and the River Avon, St Anne’s House feels like a proper community arts centre connecting people in BS4. I have a studio there with a view of mature trees and a feeling of being very close to nature.”
Cumberland Piazza
Regular events now take place in the Cumberland Piazza – photo: Art Under the Flyover
“The largest open public space in Hotwells and somewhere close to my heart as a local resident. I’ve been working with Hotwells & Cliftonwood Community Association since 2009 using the Art Under the Flyover initiative to engage locals and artists in greening and colouring in a former grey and underused thoroughfare.”
Spike Island Cafe
Emmeline cafe at Spike Island – photo: Max McClure
“Run by Emmeline who make Bristol’s best toasties and served by super friendly staff, Spike Island Cafe has been my ‘local’ since 2004. It’s been a bit of a sanctuary, especially when my kids were little, with the absolute bonus of having an amazing arts centre and gallery attached.”
Bristol Lido
The Lido’s 24-metre outdoor swimming pool is heated throughout the year – photo: Bristol Lido
“The Lido is another sanctuary for me. I have always swan more-or-less daily and I used to regard my lido membership as a total luxury, but, as a free-lancer who never gets sick pay, I now appreciate it is the place that keeps me healthy. People think it’s quite posh but actually the members are from all over Bristol and a total mix of folks.”
Crox Bottom
Crox Bottom is a nature reserve off Hartcliffe Way – photo: Crox Bottom Friends Group
“I kind of love this spot for its potential. I often pass by Crox Bottom when cycling up to Hartcliffe and imagine what it could be like if it was a little bit more cared for, but not too manicured. Pigeonhouse Stream flows through and connects to the Malago.”
Main photo: Alice Hendy
Read next:
- Giant Scrabble mural painted in Hotwells
- New creative and community hub opens in St Anne’s
- ‘Perfect storm’ forces popular cafe to close
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