The BBC series The Newcomers – screening at Arnolfini on Saturday 9 April – was first broadcast in 1964. It told the story of Alison and Anthony Smith, two recent arrivals in Bristol at a time of national and international social, cultural, political and economic change. As well as the Smiths, The Newcomers featured many well-known Bristol people and residents of the time including artists, writers and supporters of creative people – George Brandt, Derek and Elizabeth Balmer, Val Lorraine, Tom Stoppard and more.

Our panellists of ‘new Newcomers’ discuss their experiences of being a freelance creative in Bristol today, the barriers they have faced and still face, and what binds them to the city. They will look at the differences and similarities between the creative lives of their generation and the cast of The Newcomers, and discuss the future of the city.

How welcoming is the city and how accessible are the city’s creative spaces and networks? Will rising house prices and cost of living force artists out of the city?

With Qezz Gill, Saili Katebe, Jo Kimber, Frances Pope and 1990s Chris (chair). This event is guest produced by Scarlett Smyth.

This activity is generously supported by the BFI FAN Film Exhibition Fund, distributed by Film Hub South West. The Fund The FAN Exhibition Film Fund supports the delivery of cultural film offerings to broad and diverse audiences. With thanks to the BFI National TV Archive.

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Festival of Ideas: The New Newcomers: Being an Artist in Bristol Today