You might struggle to find a more artistic city in the UK than Bristol. The streets are like an outdoor art gallery thanks to amazing street artists like Banksy, Inkie, and all the visitors to the annual graffiti festival Upfest. That’s before we get to the actual exciting and independent art galleries like Spike Island and Arnolfini. But for Bristol’s most unsuspecting art gallery, you have to head to the toilet to find The Loovre.
No, we’re not taking the piss. For Bristol’s most personal art exhibitions, you have to pop to The Loovre, which describes itself jointly as a “gallery & facilities”. Started in 2018 by the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft (PRSC), The Loovre is a charming art space like no other, playfully curating original artworks of local artists. “Whilst challenging the concepts of private and public space, and questioning the pomposity and elitism of the traditional art world.”
Don’t expect any old crap either. The current exhibition on display is For Folk’s Sake: Re-imagining Tradition, a diverse and beautiful collection that celebrates artwork inspired by folklore. You can see all the artworks online here, which range in price from £5 to £200. They’re always on the lookout for new artists though, so if you fancy exhibiting at Bristol’s smallest gallery head here.
How do I visit The Loovre?
To visit The Loovre Gallery in person, just visit any public event at PRSC The Space and pop to the loo. It really is that simple. (But as we’ve said you can just view it all online if you’d prefer.) You’ll find the space down on Jamaica Street in Stokes Croft.
What is the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft?
PRSC is a community organisation founded in 2007. It aims to encourage political and community engagement in the local area of Stokes Croft “with a particular focus on public space.” (Now the toilet gallery starts to make a little more sense.) Alongside a variety of projects and events like the People’s Art Fair and School of Activism, it also runs Stokes Croft China. A place where you can purchase radical designs on salvaged fine English bone china, which also finances the community work of the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft.
We’ve barely scratched the surface of what the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft gets up to, however. They are a huge part of why the area of Stokes Croft remains so fiercely independent and vibrantly creative. So if you would like to learn more we recommend heading to their website. Where you’ll find the full range of upcoming events at PRSC and the perfect opportunity to pop to The Loovre.