Welcome

‘Imagine what it would be like to be in a vast room with creative resources and to use them at any moment in whatever shape or form you want. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?’

Room 13 Hareclive is an independent artists’ studio in the playground of our school, Hareclive Primary in Hartcliffe, south Bristol. It’s run by the children that use it, working together with adults. Our studio is open three days a week to children aged 5-11 who can go freely at breaks and lunchtimes. Children can also go in class time if their teacher agrees and their work is up to date, or they need a quiet time, or are working on a project. The studio is also a place for quieter, creative focussed work with children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).

In Room 13, children can talk, draw, paint, experiment with materials (2D and 3D), make, read, research and work on the computer. They are free to follow their own creative ideas and projects, at their own pace. They can work alone or collaborate with friends, family or children of different ages who share the same interests. They are supported by the artists in residence. Children get to work in sketch books and on canvas and Room 13ers have worked on many whole studio projects and commissions, exhibitions, films and presentations.

Room 13 is a creative space of deep listening and support that has so many positive benefits for children. Most especially, it nurtures confidence, self esteem and well-being.

In Room 13…

…we have FREEDOM to do what we want to do.”
“…it’s a place where you get to know yourself. I discovered I can be an artist.”
“I know that my opinions matter. We think, we ask questions and we share.”
“It is through making that I have found different ways to express myself.”
“I can unravel my thoughts and try and make sense of the world.