Informed by the traditions of Dartington College and, more recently, Black Mountain College, USA. Studio Upstairs believes that learning is about experience and experimentation rather than being based on a formal curriculum. It is also influenced by R.D.Laing and the Philadelphia Association with their particular work in therapeutic communities outside of the institutional framework.

John Lowings with his piece Man

Studio Upstairs provides an environment for people who are dealing with mental or emotional distress or drug and alcohol recovery, who find that through creating art, both privately and publicly, they can transform their lives.

At Studio Upstairs the stigma of mental health is challenged and the artwork taken seriously. Intrinsic to its ethos is that its members, volunteers and managers all produce work alongside each other and have the opportunity to develop an interface with the public by exhibiting together regularly.

As a community, Studio Upstairs’ members are involved in the decision-making regarding the running of the studio through monthly forums. In addition, members' representatives actively participate in the development of the studio, attending monthly team meetings, strategy meetings and meetings of the board of trustees.

Studio Upstairs’ strength lies in its ability to maintain a creative dialogue across the three quite diverse areas of the arts, education and health, with partnerships ranging from Arnolfini, City of Bristol College and the Social Services and Health Authorities in Bristol and the surrounding areas.