Launch of New Swansea Sanctuary Arts Network

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is supporting the launch of a new Swansea Sanctuary Arts Network. 

The collaborative network of Swansea based artists, practitioners, educators, galleries, organisations, and business with an interest in the Arts and a commitment to including supporting or representing those who have experience of seeking sanctuary, is keen to attract new members.

It is affiliated with Swansea City of Sanctuary and meets bi-monthly, online and in-person to: 

Promote arts and sanctuary-related activities. 

Facilitate collaborations. 

Share funding and other opportunities. 

The network is facilitated by UWTSD as part of its commitment to welcome and support those who have found Sanctuary in our city.

Amanda Roberts, Senior Education Officer at UWTSD’s Wales Institute of Science & Art said: “The Swansea Sanctuary Arts Network is an exciting new initiative which contributes to Swansea as a welcoming, informed, and supportive city for those who have experienced issues of refuge and sanctuary. It is hoped the network will help develop new collaborations and facilitate new projects."

Kathryn Williams from Swansea City of Sanctuary said: We are delighted that UWTSD is supporting the development of the Arts Network and helping us to promote a culture of welcome throughout Swansea

The next meeting is in person on Weds 22nd June at 3.30 pm at the Waterfront Museum in the Ocean Room. It takes place during Swansea City of Sanctuary’s Home Away From Home Exhibition at the Waterfront.  Swansea College of Art, UWTSD will be exhibiting the artworks from the Art for the Park art project delivered collaboratively with Swansea City of Sanctuary.

Caroline Thraves, Academic Director of Art & Media at the University’s Wales Institute of Science & Art said: “We are delighted to be able to facilitate this diverse network of artists, practitioners and organisations who have a shared commitment to improving the lives of those who seek sanctuary within our wonderful city. We are a city that welcomes all and we are a university that welcomes all.”

Note to Editor

Swansea was recognised as the UK’s second City of Sanctuary in May 2010, and the first in Wales. On 21 June 2010, a celebration in the Brangwyn Hall to mark this achievement.

City of Sanctuary is a grassroots national movement committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution.

Swansea City of Sanctuary, which is a voluntary group, invites all organisations, local groups, and individuals to join us and help make Swansea proud to be a place of safety.

Swansea City of Sanctuary’s Traveling Exhibition: Home

Home Away from Home will be at The National Waterfront Museum, Oystermouth Rd, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 3RD, until Sunday 17th July 2022. This exhibition is taking place in the Museum’s Colonnade.

It will also be available to view during Refugee Week 2022, a time to celebrate the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. We are also delighted to have our Exhibition up during a time where One World: Art from Penally is also exhibiting, in the museum.

SWANSEA COLLEGE OF ART, UWTSD offers a wide range of engagement activities that introduce the art college experience in a modern university setting. In addition to University Open Days and Taster days in individual departments, we offer introductory tours of the art college’s facilities and departments, half term workshops designed to develop your portfolio and provide the opportunity to apply to art college even if you haven’t studied art past GCSE, and individualised support to help you achieve your full creative potential.  

If you are interested in joining the Swansea Sanctuary Arts Network  

please email Amanda.roberts@uwtsd.ac.uk to be added to our mailing list and receive links to our bi-monthly meetings. 

All are welcome

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Swyddog Gweithredol Cysylltiadau â’r Wasg a’r Cyfryngau

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer

Cyfathrebu Corfforaethol a Chysylltiadau Cyhoeddus

Corporate Communications and PR

Mobile: 07384 467071

Email: Rebecca.Davies@uwtsd.ac.uk