Celebrating the history and heritage of our slate communities through art

Some of Gwynedd's young people have contributed towards creating striking public art that will celebrate the history and heritage of the communities within the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site.

Pupils from Ysgol Bro Lleu, Penygroes; Ysgol Eifion Wyn and Ysgol Eifionydd, Porthmadog; and Ysgol Y Moelwyn in Blaenau Ffestiniog have been working with artists and craftworkers as part of the Llewyrch o’r Llechi and Shared Prosperity Fund projects which are led by Cyngor Gwynedd.

Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Deputy Leader of Cyngor Gwynedd and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: "It's great to see young people interested and having the opportunity to contribute to a public art project as part of the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site.

"Expressing themselves through art is a different way to gain our young people's respect for their heritage. The location of this artwork in the heart of Dyffryn Nantlle, Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog communities will be a source of pride and will reflect that the area's quarrying heritage belongs not only in the past but to the present generation and future generations and will be a boost to our ongoing efforts to regenerate Gwynedd's slate communities.

"This project has been funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund and the Llewyrch o'r Llechi project, which are administered by Cyngor Gwynedd."

Since Cyngor Gwynedd and its key partners secured World Heritage Site designation for the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales in 2021, much work has gone into taking advantage of the status for the benefit of our communities and businesses. 

This art project is one of a number of upcoming investment projects contributing to the World Heritage Site's vision to protect, conserve, enhance and communicate the important qualities of the area in order to reinforce cultural distinctiveness and strengthen the Welsh language, and become an important driver for economic regeneration and social inclusion.

Penygroes

In Penygroes, artist Angharad Pearce Jones will create a sculpture which will be installed near the Byw'n Iach Plas Silyn site. She has been working with the children of Ysgol Bro Lleu, Penygroes to get the project off the ground, and her art will be installed later this year.

The artist said:

"It is a privilege to win one of the public art commissions in the Slate Landscape.

"I have been working with the young people of Penygroes to develop a piece of art that reflects the post-industrial landscape of Dyffryn Nantlle and the strong literary culture of this particular area.

"I'm very impressed with their knowledge and enthusiasm!"

Sharon Roberts, Ysgol Bro Lleu teacher said:

"It's been really exciting to have a high-profile artist visiting the school.

"The pupils have thoroughly enjoyed learning about their local history and contributing to this creative project.

"We are very proud of our culture, history, and heritage and this project has been a great way to connect with those themes."

Blaenau Ffestiniog

In Blaenau Ffestiniog, Original Roofing Company (ORC) have been commissioned to create a slate mural in the town, and have received input from Ysgol Y Moelwyn pupils in terms of the design.

The pupils also had the opportunity to try traditional slate crafting techniques. ORC are known for their artistic and imaginative designs, which go hand in hand with their repairs and installations of slate roofs and gable end walls.

Business co-owner Kaz Bentham said:

"We wanted to say how happy we are to have the opportunity to present this exciting art project in Blaenau Ffestiniog.

"To be able to do this in our home town is an honour, and with the help and input of the local community we are confident that we can leave something for everyone to enjoy for many years to come."