groups

ART GROUPS
AND ORGANISATIONS

Please send us details of your art group for inclusion in our listings.
ALTERNATIVELY - Why not have a page (or two) within our site to advertise your exhibitions and events throughout the year?
Contact us on: info@welshartsarchive.org.uk

sNowDon aRT ceNtre / forum
Location: Hendre,
Aber Road, Gwynedd, LL57 3YP
website: http://www.snowdonartcentre.org
e-mail: rsvp@snowdonartcentre.org
North Wales has an abundance of artists and creative talent ranging from painting, crafts, sculpture, design, photography, film-makers and more but where are they and how do you find them, it is a case of hidden talent. There are currently resources for the local community to access their own creativity and take an interest in the visual arts but these are limited.
This environment could continue as it is with all this talent and creativity being an un-discovered treasure and not appreciated by the local community and the public at large. The artists would continue to have a limited focus or outlet to share their creativity and to share it with the local community. The community could be denied access to a wealth of resource for themselves and have minimal opportunity to value and discover the relevance of the visual arts in general and specifically to their own community.
There is however an opportunity for artists to have a focus for their work and to be able to share with other artists as well as creating a stimulating artistic environment for themselves, the local community and North Wales itself. This could include regular workshops, exhibitions, evening classes, talks by local artists as well as visiting artists and residential courses to name a few. There could also be a place for artists and the community to meet, for example a centre which has a cafe and other facilities. With such a broad base of artists, a wide range of media would be represented, including painting, sculpture, crafts, design, photography, multi-media and film, in fact there are so many artists in North Wales that there really is no limit to what is available.
To create this opportunity and facility for all concerned an artists forum is being held on Saturday the 3rd of May at 2pm. All artists and people involved in the visual arts local to North Wales are invited to attend this forum for the creation of the Snowdon Art Centre, to be at the genesis of creating this resource for local artists and the community. All ideas for the possibilities of the centre and what it can offer will be employed in it’s design and implementation. The centre plans to offer a comprehensive range of workshops, talks and courses... artists working in a broad range of media from design to painting and film are encouraged to participate.
The forum starts at 2pm with an introduction and background. This will be followed with an open floor, for ideas for the centre, conducted by a chairperson. A secretary will document all contributions and this will be published soon after the event and available to anyone who may be interested.
Ultimately the centre will be run by and dedicated to local artists and the local community. The key objective is to provide a resource and environment to enable and access creativity through art. and it's mission will be to enhance the appreciation of art and it's relevance to life. The inspiration for artistic production will be sourced from North Wales, embracing the environment, community and heritage.
The forum will be held at Hendre, a unique venue, being part of one of the best preserved Victorian Farmyards in Britain. Hendre is an ideal location to hold the forum with facilities for a meeting room, a gallery and workshops. They can also provide refreshments for the participants either at a bar or a tea room. Hendre is situated between the coastal village of Llanfairfechan and the University City of Bangor on the A55 Expressway, just on the foothills of the Snowdonia Mountain Range.
As part of the Forum there will also be a small exhibition of local artists running from 30th April to 3rd May, which will be open to the public, this will also be held at Hendre.
The centre will also be a charitable foundation and non-profit making, with all funds generated being invested back into the centre.

The Artists Project
70a Llandaff Road, Canton, Cardiff CF1 9NL. Contacts; Iwan Bala & Sean O'Reilly
Formed in the early 1990's, THE ARTISTS PROJECT was an informal group of artists centred AROUND A STUDIO COMPLEX in Cardiff who, dissatisfied with the normal methods of exhibiting and networking, began a programme of artist-led initiatives.

Arts Disability Wales
Chapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Cardiff CF5 1QE. Tel: 02920 377885.(Voice & minicom) Fax: 02920 395211.
Contact: Jeanette Thomas, Development Officer or Maggie Hampton, Arts & Disability Training Manager.
Established since 1982, Arts Disability Wales aims to ensure the widest possible access for people with disabilities to the Arts. To this end, ADW runs courses and conferences, provides information and advice, and acts as a pressure group on behalf of the disabled.

The British Council
28, Park Place, Cardiff CF2 3QE. Tel: 02920 397346. Fax: 02920 237494. Contact: Director; Tony Deyes.
The aim is to promote cultural, educational and technical co-operation between Britain and other countries. It is financed mainly by the Government. Each year the Council assists about 1,00 British drama, dance, music, literature and arts events, tours or exhibitions to take place in many countries. The councils Directorate in Cardiff offers information and advice to those working in the arts in Wales and, very exceptionally, assist arts projects from its local budget.

CADW: Welsh Historic Monuments
Brunel House, 2 Fitzalan Road, Cardiff CF2 1UY Tel: 02920 465511. Contact: Tom Cassidy (Chief Executive)
CADW was set up in October 1984. In April 1991 it was established as an executive agency. The role of the agency is to support directly and indirectly the preservation, conservation, appreciation and enjoyment of the built Heritage in Wales for the benefit of present and future generations.

Aberystwyth Printmakers
Visual Arts Department, University of Wales Aberystwyth, Buarth Mawr, Aberystwyth SY23 1NE Tel: 01970 622460
Exhibition group formed in 1988 representing staff and former students of the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. Individual and group exhibitions and galleries can select.

Arts & Business
Wales & South West England. 16, Museum Place, Cardiff CF1 3BH. Tel: 02920 303023. Fax: 02920 303024.
Contacts; Rachel Jones.
ABSA exists to promote and encourage partnerships between the private sector and the arts, to their mutual benefit and to that of the community at large. A registered charity, ABSA is an independent organisation with over 300 business members, and with offices in London, Belfast, Birmingham, Glasgow, Halifax and Cardiff.

Artists Combined
A group of enthusiastic artists of mixed abilities from beginners to Royal Academy exhibitors.
Established to encourage and promote art for all in the Caerphilly area.
Contact: Thomas Spencer at
118 St Gwladys Avenue, Bargoe

BECA Group
99, Windsor Road, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan CF5 1QE. Tel: 02920 703492. Contact Ivor Davies.
The mid 19th century West Wales Rebecca Riot, in which excessively high charging toll gates and other symbols of injustice, were attacked, gave the Grwp its inspiration and name. They are a group of artists who explore and express their own and their communities Welsh Identity and aspirations through contemporary art practice. In doing so, they declare common cause with struggling minorities throughout Europe and the world.

CADMAD (Cardiff & District Multicultural Arts Development)
Boston Buildings, 68-72 James Street, Cardiff CF1 3EZ Tel: 02920 452808. Contact: Lyra Saldanha (Director)
CADMAD is funded by the Welsh Office Urban Programme and supported by Cardiff City Council. The project, which began in early 1992, aims to give multicultural arts prominence it deserves. CADMAD is a non-profit making company owned by the members, with a Board of Directors representing the wide cultural diversity of the City. Its aims and objectives are: to develop and promote multicultural arts in Cardiff; to encourage different cultural groups to work together, to encourage greater use by ethnic minorities of existing cultural and educational facilities; to promote the creation of a multicultural arts centre in Cardiff; to serve the needs of all ethnic minority groups; to advise multicultural arts groups on funding opportunities for arts events and training; to set up an information network of local, national and international multicultural arts groups and supporters; to promote the expansion of multicultural arts from local & national arts bodies; to advise and monitor equal opportunities policies in local & national organisations and to seek to address the needs of ethnic minority communities as a whole.

Cardiff Print workshop
Held at Howardian Community Education Centre, Hammond Way, Penylan, Cardiff CF2 1SP Tel: 02920 492094. Contacts; Laura Stevens 0n 01684 540854 or Megan Lloyd on 02920 450876
Cardiff Print workshop offers facilities for experienced printmakers and beginners at reasonable rates. Etching, stone and zinc plate lithography - courses to suit all ages and abilities.

Contemporary Art Society for Wales (CASW)
1 Court Cottages, Michaelston Road, St Fagans, Cardiff CF5 6EN Tel: 02920 595206. Contact: D. Gareth Davies (Honorary Secretary). A membership organisation funded in 1937 to; foster and promote the improvement and development of artistic taste, and to spread knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the visual arts among the people of Wales;. The society carries out its work principally through purchasing contemporary works of art and presenting them to Welsh public institutions.

Council of Museums in Wales
The Courtyard, Letty Street, Cathays, Cardiff CF2 4EL. Tel: 02920 225432. Contact; Jane Peirson Jones (Director)
A Government-funded membership organisation which aims to ;further the public educational purposes of Museums and Art Galleries which are situated or operate in Wales and which are not established as or part of commercial enterprises, by promoting, supporting and assisting in improvements in the organisation of the services provided by Area Museums and by fostering the use and enjoyment of Area Museums by the public;.

Cardiff Bay Arts Trust
23 Bute Street, Cardiff CF10 6AE Tel: 02920 488772 Fax: 02920 472439. Contact: Carol-Anne Davies (Director) Jennie Tipler (Administrator) Wiard Sterk (Commissions Officer)
Cardiff Bay Arts Trust was set up in 1990 as a result of Cardiff Bay Development Corporations adoption of a strategy for Art in Public Places. The Art Trust is working with local communities and the public and private sectors on a wide range of public art projects. The trust provides information and consultancy services and works closely with artists based in Wales and beyond.

Centre For Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies
National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3HH Tel: 01970 626717 Fax: 01970 627066. Contact; Professor Geraint H. Jenkins (Director)
The centre includes the WELSH VISUAL RESEARCH PROJECT. Led by Peter Lord, it involves a team of research fellows, each working on different aspects of the tradition. Their research will form the writing of three volumes under the collective title of THE VISUAL CULTURE OF WALES.

The Cultural Enterprise Service
Chapter. Market Road, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1QE. Tel: 02920 343205. Contact; Lucy McCall
The Cultural Enterprise Service provides business related advice, information and training to artists and other cultural sector workers living in Wales. It aims to foster and promote the development of the cultural sector by providing specialist advice and support and accessing the sector into the business help that already exists.

Cywaith Cymru . Artworks Wales
Crichton House, 11-12 Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff Bay CF10 5EE. Tel: 02920 489543. Contact: Tamara Krikorian (Director); Simon Fenoulhet (Director - Public Art); Emma Geliot (Director - Residencies)
Established in 1981 (as the then Welsh Sculpture Trust) to encourage the placing of art in the environment through commissions, exhibitions and residencies. In 1990 it expanded its staff and programmes when it took over the work of the Arts Council;s long standing Commissions Service. It can offer advice, constancy and the management of feasibility studies and budgeting for all kinds of commissions.
In 1998, it also took over much of the Arts Council of Waleswork in both organising and grant-aiding visual arts and craft residencies.

Would you like to know more?
Why not visit these sites of interest?

www.tourism.wales.gov.uk
www.Stats.Info.Desk@Wales.gsi.gov.uk
www.nationalshowcaves.co.uk

CONTINUED...

ENGAGE (National Association for Gallery Education - Welsh Group)
Oriel Mostyn. 12 Vaughan Street, Llandudno LL30 1AB. Tel: 01492 879201. ALSO
Oriel 31. Davies Memorial Gallery, Newtown SY16 2NZ. Tel: 01686 625041. Contact; Steffan Jones-Hughes.
A growing organisation with groups throughout England, Wales and Scotland. The aims of ENGAGE are to provide a professional organisation for people working in Gallery Education which is constantly expanding in response to the needs of schools, Social Services and the public. ENGAGE works to involve practising artists and makers as well as exhibition organisers, teachers and education, and does not confine its interests to fine art. It provides a forum for discussion and resolution as well as offering the opportunity for the exchange of ideas.

56 Group Wales
C/o 18 Tydfil Place, Roath Place, Roath Park, Cardiff. Tel: 02920 487369. Contact; Bob Weir (Hon Secretary)
An exhibiting society of professional artists established in 1956 and with members drawn from all parts of Wales. The Group has exhibited widely in Wales as well as in England, Czechoslovakia, Italy and France. Although it adheres to no single philosophy, aesthetic or style, the group aims to promote contemporary art both in and of Wales. Membership by invitation only.

Contemporary Art Society for Wales (CASW)
C/o 1 Court Cottages, Michaelston Road, St Fagans, Cardiff CF5 6EN Tel: 02920 595206. Contact: D. Gareth Davies (Honorary Secretary). A membership organisation funded in 1937 to foster and promote the improvement and development of artistic taste, and to spread knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the visual arts among the people of Wales. The society carries out its work principally through purchasing contemporary works of art and presenting them to Welsh public institutions.

ECTARC (European Centre for Traditional & Regional Cultures)
Parade Street, Llangollen LL20 8RB. Tel: 01978 861514. Contact; Arts & Exhibitions Officer.
ECTARC defines culture in a broad sense, reflecting all of the characteristic interests and activities of Europe regions. History and traditions are important, but so too are modern aspects of culture. ECTARC believes in working with other organisations and individuals and has close links with European institutions. ECTARC is keen to explore the links between culture and other facets of life, ECTARC is an international charity which is owned and controlled by its members. We meet once a year at the ECTARC convocation and may raise issues at any time. Members receive a regular newsletter, details of exhibitions and performances, and discounted tickets.

Federation of Museums & Art Galleries in Wales
C/o Cynon Valley Museum, Depot Road, Gadlys, Aberdare CF44 8DL. Tel: 01685 886729. Contact; Christopher Wilson (Secretary)
The Federation aims to improve communications between museum staff in Wales, and between museums and those bodies concerned with museums. It meets twice a year and also organises seminars and meetings on matters of current interest. The federation has both individual and corporate members (professional and non-professional). In order to join, the individual or body must be responsible for a permanent collection.

Council of Museums in Wales
The Courtyard, Letty Street, Cathays, Cardiff CF2 4EL. Tel: 02920 225432. Contact; Jane Peirson Jones (Director)
A Government-funded membership organisation which aims to further the public educational purposes of Museums and Art Galleries which are situated or operate in Wales and which are not established as or part of commercial enterprises, by promoting, supporting and assisting in improvements in the organisation of the services provided by Area Museums and by fostering the use and enjoyment of Area Museums by the public;.

Group 75
C/o Tyddyn Squire, The Wrn, Bersham, Wrexham LL14 4LU. Tel: 01978 757513. Contact; Margaret Tietze (Secretary)
Group 75 was formed in 1975 under the leadership of Margaret Tietze and consisted of 15 professional artists most of whom were involved in art education. The goal was to exhibit annually, hold workshops and give talks to the public. Members’ work ranges from wood sculpture to photography. In recent years, exhibitions have toured the British Isles, the USA and France. This fulfils another aim of the Group to forge links with other countries and cultures.

National Eisteddfod of Wales
40 Parc Ty Glas, Llanishen, Caerdydd CF4 5WU Tel: 02920 763777. Contact; Robyn Tomos (Art & Crafts Officer)
A major cultural festival of the Welsh Language, organised around competitions and performances. Held in the first full week of August, the festivals location alternates annually between north and South Wales. In the visual Arts & Craft, the Eisteddfod organises a wide range of activities. A major exhibition is held in the Art & Crafts pavilion and three Gold Medals are awarded - in Fine Art, Craft and Architecture. There are also lectures, demonstrations and workshops. Entry forms, details of events and prizes are available from the Eisteddfod Office.

NEWAN (North East Wales Artists Network)
Contact James Duckett at james.duckett@tiscali.co.uk or call 0771 2230668."
First established in June of 2001, since then the group has gone from strength to strength with its membership growing to 19. The group includes artists from a number of disciplines, and from varying stages in their careers, some members already having an established International record while others are recent graduates just starting out in the field.
The groups aims are to establish a positive environment for personal development of members, both creatively and professionaly, and eventually to establish a group studio where members are free to explore their work in a supportive atmosphere.

National Museums & Galleries of Wales
Cathays Park, Cardiff CF2 3NP. Tel: 02920 397951. Contact; Oliver Fairclough (Keeper of Art)
Established by Royal Charter in 1907, the Museum and Galleries of Wales comprises the Main Building (at the above address) and various branch Museums. The Art Department is based in Cathays Park where permanent and changing exhibitions can be seen.

Forum for Flintshire Artists
C/o Black Sheep Gallery, Old Stable Yard, Hawarden Castle, Hawarden CH5 3NY. Tel: & Fax: 01244 535505. Contact; Peter Garbutt or Alex Campbell.
The Forum was established to create greater opportunities for artists in the region, and to promote their work both nationally and internationally. The aim is to create a union of artists, and to encourage and promote a high standard of professionalism in the work of its members. The group will be organising members; exhibitions locally, nationally and internationally, and strengthening the twinning opportunities already established in France and Germany. The Forum is seeking artists and makers of fine crafts who are interested in becoming members. To be eligible you must have been born in Flintshire, currently live or work there, or have taken part in a major exhibition in the county.

International Association of Art (I.A.A.)
Welsh Section of UK Committee. 49 Stainton Road, Sheffield SA11 7AX. Tel: 01142 669889. Temporary contact; Roland Miller.
The International Association of Art is the U.N.E.S.C.O. Grade An organisation for professional artists. The reformed UK Committee has sections in England, Scotland and Wales composed of democratically organised groups of artists’ groups. Within Wales; Gweled, the 56 Group Wales, the BECA Group, the Welsh Group and the Pioneers have all affiliated, whilst the Royal Cambrian Academy and the AVAW are going through procedures for joining. The organisation maintains international contracts, circulates information about competitions, symposia, conferences and other opportunities for artists.

National Library of Wales
Penglais, Aberystwyth SY23 3BU Tel: 01970 632800. Contacts; Dr D Huw Owen (Keeper of Pictures & Maps) Mr Michael Francis (Exhibitions Officer)
Founded by the Royal Charter in 1907, the Library is one of only five British Copyright Libraries and is therefore entitled to a copy of all books published in Britain. It holds major collections of paintings, drawings, prints and photographs. In addition, the Department of Manuscripts & Records holds original papers by Welsh artists including Davis Jones, Ceri Richards, Gwen John and Augustus John.
The Gregynog Gallery houses a permanent exhibition and there is also a programme of changing exhibitions.

Permanent Waves
Art Association c/o Cardiff Play Resource Centre, Wroughton Place, Ely Bridge Industrial Estate, Cardiff CF5 4AB. Tel: 02920 569800. Contact; Nancy Pickard.
Permanent Waves works for women in the arts in a non-discriminatory way, seeking to promote debate and opportunity to encourage all women practitioners, both amateur and professional, old and young, and of all ethnic and cultural origins. Meetings are held throughout the year and all women are welcome. The association organises the annual Arts Festival.

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