First Post: Introducing my research and recording the renovations at Theatr Clwyd

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 issues and aspects of the social condition. I express my feelings using clay; describing an awareness of the issues I'm concerned with.

We surround ourselves with objects and ornaments that have some sort of significant value to us; but what happens to these objects when we pass away. Previously, I have explored the identity of objects left behind from loved ones. The objects have lost their attached identity but have the capacity to still be significant to others who knew the original owner. The objects themselves, through their materiality, describe the absence of that person - their presence can trigger memories.


What's the blog about?

This blog will explore a few key themes as I research/record my PhD:

  • Examine the public arts programme at Theatr Clwyd
  • To identify how the public arts programme at Theatr Clwyd enhances quality of life
  • How is the theatre upholding their principles of sustainability, playfulness and civic engagement whilst respecting cultural heritage
  • To document the renovation with the first three points in mind
Theatr Clwyd

Theatr Clwyd was built in the 1970s by the local authority. It is a regional arts centre and producing theatre in Mold, Flintshire, North Wales. The building was state of the art when it was built but unfortunately the last 40 years have taken its toll. The building currently leaks and is no longer fit-for-purpose. The theatre has managed to secure at least £35 million in funding for a once in a life time project to renovate the building to ensure North Wales retains the theatre for many years to come. 

The theatre aims to be a green and inspirational home for the community for the next 40 years and beyond. 

This is the theatre currently; very typical of the era and brutalistic in design.

This is an artists rendering of what it will look like after the renovations are complete. 

The theatre is exploring three key themes with the renovation: sustainability, playfulness and civic engagement. This is their statement on how they see the building being sustainable - 

"We’re passionate about saving our planet and want to ensure our building is sustainable, environmentally friendly and has a massively reduced carbon footprint. That means we have to manage energy and waste better.

A green, sustainable building helps us make carbon savings and use our resources better – to create world-class theatre and develop community learning and engagement projects – not to pay increasing energy bills."

The theatre's latest business plan sets out their mission and vision for the future - 

"Our Mission

To make the world a happier place, one moment at a time.

Our Vision

We will be a place to dream – inspiring, limitless, alive
We will be a space to play – messy, invigorating, free
We will be a training ground – rigorous, challenging, supportive
We will be a healing space – encompassing, understanding, safe
We will be a home – for our company, for our communities, for our theatre makers, dancers,
musicians and artists, for our facilitators and practitioners, and for the wider world"

This is my starting point for the research and record.

I hope you all enjoy reading about my journey into research and beyond!

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