Studio Upstairs is a working arts community where people can produce their own work with the option of exhibiting periodically through the year. Facilities are available for painting, drawing, mixed media, digital and some 3D work. Members usually attend once or twice a week (the studio is open from 10am to 5pm five days per week).  Individual time can be arranged for discussing work or other issues.  In addition, at the weekend, members can participate in the Creative Writing Group, Life Drawing or the Music Workshop.

Studio Upstairs offers a broad-based package with therapeutic, educational and vocational opportunities. We provide: Artistic and emotional support for members

• An inspiring art-based environment with access to a wide range of art materials
• A safe social space where members can experience a sense of ‘belonging’
• Learning art-related skills: building canvas stretchers, accessing computer programmes
• A genuine interest in art and its practice; in-house talks on art, aesthetics, different art practices, etc.
• Inclusion and active participation in the form of regular reviews, trustee board representation, studio-based forums and art conversations
• Individual therapy on a regular or flexible basis
• Out-of-hours activities, e.g. life drawing classes, writers group and music group

Links with the community

• Opportunities to exhibit artwork and advice on presentation skills
• Challenging the stigma associated with mental health difficulties and addiction by facilitating workshops in the local community and attending national conferences
• Opportunities to collaborate with other artists and arts organisations, e.g. Arnolfini
• Close links with City of Bristol College; access to college courses and vocational training

• A flexible response when members are in crisis (e.g. members can attend extra days)
• Evaluation procedures
• Professional training and vocational placements for students
• Their experience as practising artists, arts therapists and psychotherapists