Jamaica Street studios is a grade ii listed building and a landmark to the Stokes Croft area of Bristol. Formerly a carriage works it boasts a fine example of cast iron and wood beam architecture revolutionary to its time. The building has been occupied by several different institutions throughout its history including the Bristol film co-operative (precursor of the watershed media centre) the Royal Naval Volunteer reserves and venue magazine. It has for the past twenty years established itself as a home to the arts. By housing 43 artists it is one of the largest artist led studios outside London. These artists have made a name for themselves both in their individual art practices and as a group. The annual open studios which they hold each summer have become increasingly popular with the public and they have gained a loyal following.

Over the last few years Jamaica Street has gone from strength to strength attracting an influx of new artists including several internationally established illustrators and cutting edge fine artists. They have developed a collective which also serves as a mentoring group encouraging and nurturing new talent. Teachers and lecturers housed here have achieved a tremendous amount of success with graduates arriving fresh from university developing into fully fledged professional artists; they have also borne witness to individuals being accepted into some of London’s more prestigious universities.

Jamaica Street artists intend to build upon their successes by taking advantage of an opportunity to purchase their building. They uphold a good relationship with their landlords who have supported the arts since the 1980’s and are keen to maintain this legacy to secure the future of their building for the arts. The aim is to

• Maintain workspace security by providing long term affordable studio space whilst encouraging small businesses.
• To convert the ground floor into a gallery. This would provide a high quality exhibition space for Bristol artists.
• To provide an art shop, bookshop and café.
• To dedicate space to run workshops and give seminars to adults, schoolchildren and marginalised groups.
• To raise the profile of the area and encourage new audiences.

There is evidence that the enhancement of a building such as Jamaica Street can help the regeneration of an area. It could prove to be a catalyst for attracting new businesses to Stokes Croft. The Tobacco Factory in Bedminster is a prime example for this type of success, having helped to transform the face of Southville. JSA are currently pushing their cause forward and are working alongside their landlords and Bristol organisations, including Arts and Business, the Arts Council South West and Bristol City Council. They are always seeking to develop new partnerships with collectives and investors as well as working alongside other artist organisations.