From 16th – 20th October, Neath town centre venues will welcome well-known artists, local creatives, art workshop leaders and famous faces for the Arts Festival: a celebration of art, literature and music for everyone to enjoy.
Now in its second year, Neath Arts Festival runs for five days and welcomes community groups, friends and families to get creative and experience art exhibitions, talks, workshops and performances.
All exhibitions and classes are taking inspiration from the theme of ‘belonging’, based on the Wizard of Oz line ‘There’s No Place Like Home.’ A Wizard of Oz-themed exhibition will be running at Queen Street Gallery throughout the week, and an open Call for Art will also encourage locals to submit work on the Festival theme.
There will be a whole host of talks and creative sessions to get involved in, taking place across much-loved venues such as Neath Rugby Club, Neath Library, Queen Street Gallery, Neath Town Hall, Neath Market, community centres and churches.
Whether you’d like to try your hand at oil painting, hear from radio legends Huw Stephens and Alun Wyn Bevan, listen to readings and poetry from local writers, immerse yourself in creative art exhibitions, learn more about local history with Robert King and Bernard Lewis, or enjoy live music and male voice choirs, there is something for everyone.
We spoke with one of the event founders and organisers Denise Turner, who said: ‘I feel passionately about the arts, and many people don’t realise just how much of a creative spirit Neath has.
‘I am so looking forward to the arts festival as it’s a chance to showcase local talent and create opportunities for more people to really get involved in the arts.
‘I’ve seen people come into the rugby club for a paint-along session saying “I’ve been dragged here by my partner!” then by the end of the session, they’re holding up a piece of art they’ve created with a huge smile on their face, saying “I’m going to join an art club. That was brilliant.” For me, that’s what it’s all about – showing people the joy to be found in art and creativity.’
Find out more about Neath Arts Festival here.