Andrew Kelly

Andrew was Director of Bristol Ideas from 1993 – 2022. His projects include At-Bristol (now We The Curious), Bristol Legible City, Brunel200, Bristol800 and the annual Bristol Great Reading Adventure. In 2014 he directed Bristol’s programme marking 100 years since the start of the First World War, the largest UK programme of its kind outside London.

He is a visiting professor at the University of the West of England and has published 15 books on issues ranging from film and cinema history to Brunel and engineering, the future of cities and 100 years of Bristol aerospace.

In his new part-time role as Director of Bristol Ideas, Andrew will be focused on researching and programming future projects, including Festival of the Future City 2023; a multi-partner project celebrating the legacy of Colin Ward; an international programme marking James Baldwin’s centenary and many others. He hosts many Q&As and interviews as part of Bristol Ideas’ festivals.