Art

Vibrant new mural planned for Fishguard

Published

2 years ago

17th June 2021

Editor

A new mural is planned for the exterior wall at Theatr Gwaun this year as part of Ancient Connections cross-border arts, heritage and tourism project.

The scheme links North Wexford with North Pembrokeshire, and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales co-operation programme.

Grant Radford of Accent London, originally from Port Talbot, was chosen by a panel made up of representatives of Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard Town Council, Fishguard Arts Society and Ancient Connections.

The panel were delighted by the response to the open call for artists to create this new mural. Many talented artists with great ideas applied for the commission, making this a competitive and rigorous process. Grant’s proven experience, versatile style and community consultation skills gave confidence to the panel.

Sue Whitbread Trustee, CEO of Theatr Gwaun said: “Theatr Gwaun is delighted to have been chosen for this outstanding community art project.

“We are now working with Ancient Connections and Grant to capture the unique spirit and vitality of the community Fishguard and Goodwick.”

The project kicked off at the end of May with several days of community engagement at the Theatre. Three schools took part in workshops, Ysgol Wdig, Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Ysgol Glannau Gwaun.

Rachel Williams, Head of Art at Ysgol Bro Gwaun said: “I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you all for such a wonderful afternoon yesterday. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were so proud of their stencils.”

Grant also engaged with local community groups through video conferences and drop in sessions at the theatre to understand better the town’s identity and the rich stories that bring its history to life.

Grant said: “The culmination of this engagement series is a successful discussion around the approach for the mural, an understanding of the different generations that call the town home and ultimately the revival of a community space after a period of separation”.

Following on from the community engagement, Grant will develop a vibrant mural celebrating the stories and ancient connections that link Fishguard and Wexford while reflecting on the essence of the town’s identity and the role of Theatr Gwaun as its cultural hub. The mural will be completed late summer or early Autumn.

Ancient Connections is led by Pembrokeshire County Council, together with partners Wexford County Council, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Visit Wexford funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales co-operation programme.

(All images: Pembrokeshire Council)