Documenting the Renovations at Theatr Clwyd

As discussed previously, the Public Art Steering Group had decided that to better involve young people in the commissioning process a Youth Steering Group would be created. There they would take charge of their own commission for a site specific piece/pieces of art in the theatre. Gwennan Mair, Director of Creative Engagement at Theatr Clwyd, and Ibukan Baldwin, an artist who is on the Public Art Steering Group https://ibukundesign.com/ , organised the group to meet in half term. The group of 10 met for the first time on 28th October and consisted of individuals that have been involved in art based activities at the theatre previously - Criw Celf and Portffolio.  Ibukun Baldwin started the session with some quick team building exercises to break the ice. She continued the session with an introduction into the public art commissions process at the theatre for the renovations. The attendees, including an individual joining via Zoom due to health reasons, wrote down simplified phrases...

This is an exploration of the TEDxGwE Countdown to COP26 event held at Theatr Clwyd, 1st November 2021. My Experience of the Event Background Info: As part of my GTA role at Glyndwr University, I work with the Civic Mission department under Nina Ruddle, Head of Public Policy Engagement. This is the first project I have been involved with and I came into the group halfway through the organising due to when I started my role.  The University’s Civic Mission is to “help end social inequality across North Wales by 2030”. To do this the university works with partners in exciting and innovative ways with the aim to understand key challenges and co-create an approach across North Wales. This project is just one of many that the university organises with partners. This event will be one of the last events like this to be held in the Anthony Hopkins Theatre before the renovations start in the building. What was it? Who organised it and why? COP26 (Conference of Parties) is a U.N. organised ...

On 13th September, I attended my first Public Art Steering Group Meeting; it was very informative. The steering group comprises members of the design team, theatre representatives, people with arts backgrounds, academics and community representatives. The aim of the group is to realise the Public Art Strategy for Theatr Clwyd as part of the renovations. “Our mission is to create and commission public art which is inspirational and inclusive. The public art strategy for the new building seeks to enhance Theatr Clwyd’s reputation as a beacon of artistic excellence and a home for their community.” Quote taken from the Public Art Stage 4 report Exploring the aims of the Public Art Programme as part of the renovations The commissions are so varied: some will be artist-led and the group will approach artists who they feel their artwork fits the brief. Others will involve a “call out” process, where a brief is advertised for artists to explore an artwork that is either location led in the bui...

Hi Everyone!  This post will introduce who I am and why I am writing a blog. Who am I? I'm Emma and I am an artist who predominantly works with clay.  I am currently researching for a PhD at Glyndwr University exploring the renovations at Theatr Clwyd and how their public arts programme improves the quality of life of the community it serves. I became interested in ceramics from a young age due to growing up in Buckley (a historic pottery making town in North Wales). My interest led me to explore the diversity of clay through high school leading to local exhibitions. I have achieved my BA (Hons) Ceramics at Cardiff School of Art and Design, achieving a First Class Honours. I continued my studies and completed my MA Ceramics. I have several artworks on permanent display internationally. What is my art practice about? Clay, traditionally a medium for decoration and historically tied with positive experiences/emotions, becomes in my work a tool for revealing complex global issu...