About
Mission
The Bristol Festival of Ideas aims to stimulate people’s minds and passions with an inspiring programme of discussion and debate throughout the year.
Background
Established in 2005, the Bristol Festival of Ideas emerged out of Bristol’s bid to be Capital of Culture in 2008. Although this was not successful in terms of winning the bid, the partners behind the project made the commitment to deliver as much of the programme as possible. By 2008 much of the programme had been delivered.
The Bristol Festival of Ideas is an initiative of Bristol Cultural Development Partnership (Bristol City Council and BusinessWest), an Arts Council England national portfolio organisation.
It is run in association with the Observer and the University of Bristol.
It brings together many of the cultural organisations in the city along with universities and others (the responsibility for the programme is BCDP’s alone). It seeks to provide an annual festival of debate and discussion in May with special events through the year. Overall, it is keen to link arts and sciences, as much of BCDP work does. It does not shy away from controversial issues and speakers and seeks to engage widely in the city. The festival has adopted a freedom of speech policy to show our commitment to debate and discussion, which can be viewed here.
The Festival of Ideas is one of several projects run by BCDP. Others include the formation and management in the early stages of At-Bristol; Brief and Animated Encounters Festivals; Digital Arts Development Agency; South West Arts Marketing; Brunel 200; the Bristol Great Reading Adventure; The Lost World Read; and BAC 100. Coming up, subject to funding, are Bristol 2014, marking the centenary of the start of the First World War, and Bristol 800 in 2016, marking the 800th anniversary of the installation of the mayor of Bristol.
Feedback
We are always keen to hear from those who have attended events and welcome suggestions for speakers and subjects for future sessions. Please submit any comments, suggestions or ideas to: ideas@businesswest.co.uk or contact us here. Alternatively, you can write to us at the following address:
Bristol Festival of Ideas
Leigh Court, Abbots Leigh, Bristol BS8 3RA