Our Journey: From Passion to Profession
Urban Canvas Tours was born from a shared love for Bristol's vibrant street art scene and a desire to share its stories with the world. Founded in 2018 by Sarah Miller, an art historian specializing in contemporary urban movements, and David Chen, a local street artist with over 15 years of experience, the company started as a small, community-focused initiative. They began by offering informal walking tours to friends and fellow art enthusiasts, showcasing hidden gems and sharing insights into the artists and their creations.
As word spread about their unique and engaging tours, demand grew rapidly. Sarah and David realized the potential to create a professional tour company that could provide immersive and educational experiences for art lovers of all ages. They officially launched Urban Canvas Tours, investing in training for local guides, developing structured tour routes, and building partnerships with local businesses and artists.
In the early years, Urban Canvas Tours focused on showcasing the established street art in areas like Stokes Croft and Bedminster. However, they quickly expanded their scope to include emerging artists and evolving neighborhoods, ensuring that their tours remained fresh, relevant, and representative of Bristol's dynamic art scene. They also began offering specialized tours, such as Banksy-focused tours and stencil art workshops, to cater to different interests and skill levels.
Today, Urban Canvas Tours is recognized as a leading authority on Bristol's street art, attracting visitors from around the globe. We continue to uphold our commitment to providing authentic, engaging, and accessible experiences, while also supporting local artists and promoting the cultural significance of street art.
Our Mission: Illuminating Bristol's Urban Art Landscape
At Urban Canvas Tours, our mission is to connect people with the captivating world of street art in Bristol. We aim to:
- Showcase the diversity and creativity of Bristol's street art scene. We believe that street art is a powerful form of self-expression and social commentary, and we are committed to sharing its stories with the world.
- Provide immersive and educational experiences for art lovers of all ages. Our tours are designed to be engaging, informative, and accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or experience.
- Support local artists and promote the cultural significance of street art. We work closely with local artists and organizations to ensure that our tours are ethical, sustainable, and beneficial to the community.
- Offer accessible and inclusive experiences for all. We are committed to ensuring that our tours are accessible to people with disabilities, and we are constantly working to improve our accessibility offerings.
Meet the Team: The Passionate Minds Behind the Art
Sarah Miller
Co-founder & Art Historian
Sarah brings her extensive knowledge of art history and urban culture to Urban Canvas Tours. Her passion for street art began during her studies at the University of Bristol, where she wrote her dissertation on the evolution of graffiti art in the city. She is dedicated to providing engaging and informative tours that delve into the historical and cultural context of Bristol's street art.
David Chen
Co-founder & Street Artist
David is a Bristol-based street artist with over 15 years of experience creating murals and graffiti art. His insider knowledge of the street art scene and his connections with local artists make him an invaluable asset to Urban Canvas Tours. David leads workshops and specialized tours that offer hands-on experiences and insights into the techniques of street art.
Emily Carter
Tour Guide & Community Organizer
Emily is a passionate advocate for community arts and a skilled tour guide with Urban Canvas Tours. She has a deep understanding of the local art scene and a knack for connecting with people. Emily leads walking tours and cycling tours, sharing her enthusiasm for street art and her knowledge of Bristol's history and culture.
James O'Connell
Historian & Cultural Heritage Expert
James is a historian and expert on Bristol's cultural heritage, providing historical context and enriching our tours with fascinating stories and insights. He is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Bristol's unique cultural identity and is passionate about sharing his knowledge with visitors from around the world.
Contact Us: Let's Connect
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about our tours, want to book a private tour, or are interested in partnering with us, please don't hesitate to reach out.
- Address: Urban Canvas Tours, 12 Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5BB
- Phone: 0117 922 2345
- Email: [email protected]
Our Commitment to Accessibility
Urban Canvas Tours is committed to providing accessible and inclusive experiences for all our guests. We strive to ensure that our tours are accessible to people with disabilities, and we are constantly working to improve our accessibility offerings. Please visit our Accessibility page for more information on our accessibility initiatives.
Financial Transparency
As an organization committed to integrity, Urban Canvas Tours believes in being transparent about our financial operations. The following table provides a summary of our income and expenses for the previous fiscal year.
| Category | Amount (£) |
|---|---|
| Tour Revenue | 150,000 |
| Grant Funding | 10,000 |
| Total Income | 160,000 |
| Guide Salaries | 60,000 |
| Marketing & Advertising | 15,000 |
| Administrative Costs | 10,000 |
| Accessibility Improvements | 5,000 |
| Total Expenses | 90,000 |
| Net Profit | 70,000 |
These funds are reinvested into Urban Canvas Tours to improve our tour offerings and accessibility features, as well as to support the local art community.