About the Organisation

Waveshed 2009 by Joe Magee - periphery.co.uk

Set in an unparalleled location on the historic harbourside of Bristol, one of the most culturally innovative and progressive cities in Europe, Watershed has evolved to become a national and international byword for creativity in the moving image. With audiences and participation at the heart of the organisation Watershed delivers a year round diverse, cultural programme of films, events, festivals, artist commissions, tours and conferences.

Opened in 1982 as the UK’s first media centre, Watershed exists in two distinct physical spaces on the Harbourside. Three cinemas, a large, light and airy Café/Bar and a suite of flexible conference and events spaces are housed in a Grade II listed, fully accessible building. This vibrant and beautiful building is complemented by the Pervasive Media Studio , a separate research and development space where creativity and technology meet.

Embedded in Bristol’s creative ecology Watershed invites people of all backgrounds and abilities to engage with our programme. If they choose, users can develop creative ideas through transparent, accessible progressive participation routes and structured learning opportunities.

Watershed is also a leading exponent and commissioner of on-line creativity through its website dShed.net exhibiting short film, animation, debate, projects, podcasts and artists commissions to a worldwide audience.

Imagination, inspiration and innovation from Watershed.

"Bristol's favourite waterside arts centre and venue. Whether you use it as a cinema, a bar, an exhibition space or just somewhere to meet friends for lunch, Watershed has been part of the city's 'scene' for years. A little bit arty, a little bit funky, it mirrors Bristol's own diverse personality." BBCi

The Pervasive Media Studio

The Watershed brand is unique, trusted and respected and is driven by the following shared values:

• People Led: ‘People are the engine of our organisation. We will never forget that we are here for the people we work with and for – without them Watershed would not exist.’
• Entrepreneurial: ‘We create opportunities, incubate ideas and take risks to explore new ways of looking at, and doing, things.’
• Make Things Work: ‘Through partnership, innovation and exchange we make things work and aspire to excellence.’
• Open & Honest ‘We provide a culture and environment that is trusting, trusted and trustworthy.’
• Celebratory ‘At the heart of our offer is the celebration of culture, diversity, creativity & wonder.’

Creativity, innovation and difference are the cornerstones of the Watershed brand – extending choice, diversity and participation – generating enjoyment and celebration, interest and challenge.

‘Watershed is more than just an arts cinema. It is at once a cultural centre, a business broker, a social networker, a research and innovation facility, a café/bar, and a cultural tourist attraction.’ UK Creative Economy Programme.

Three Companies

Watershed comprises of a group of three companies: Watershed Arts Trust and two wholly owned subsidiaries of the Trust – Watershed Trading and iShed CIC.

Watershed Arts Trust is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity (Charity Number 284188).

Watershed Trading Company generates a financial contribution for Watershed's artistic and cultural development through the operation of the Café/Bar and Conference services.

iShed is Watershed’s venture that enables and supports innovation and collaboration between computing, communications and the creative industries. iShed facilitates partnerships between industry, artists and creative companies identifying funding opportunities and supporting new ideas. Through events, networking, consultancy and projects, iShed gives people and ideas the time and space to develop, be explored, debated and delivered.

The old sheds in 1981 before development

“Watershed is the South West’s leading media centre for the digital age, providing opportunities for all to experience, enjoy and learn about contemporary moving image media.” Bristol Evening Post

Watershed at night

Watershed employs a full-time equivalent staff of over 70 and has an annual turnover approaching £4million. The organisation’s work would not be possible without the support of a wide range of funders and collaborators. In addition to the box-office income, the work of the Trust is supported by profits from Watershed’s trading company (conference and catering), which is run on a commercial basis.

Social Enterprise

Watershed is proud to be accredited as the first arts organisation in the South West with the ‘Social Enterprise Mark’, a label which tells customers that a product or service is creating a social or environmental benefit. Kevin Brennan MP, Minister for the Third Sector visited Watershed to present the Mark.

The Mark offers social enterprises a simple way to inform customers about the wider social or environmental impacts they provide and it gives social enterprises a competitive edge in these economically-challenging times. For customers, it offers an instantly recognisable label to identify social enterprises; reminding them that by supporting a social enterprise they are helping to create benefits for people and the planet.

 

‘If it did not exist it would be necessary to invent it…’