We hope to return to running events in 2021 once the venue is reopened post Covid19.
Author: Friends of PAC
A community group to support the Pontardawe Arts Centre and help keep it as the important community hub of Pontardawe. To promote its use, fund raise, lobby, making suggestions for how it is run.
New Cinema Confirmed!
Pontardawe Arts Centre is to receive a £600,000 investment for a new cinema. Cinema goers will be able to see the latest release films. The investment in a new cinema at the arts centre means they will be able to show first day release films.
Additionally about £150,000 is expected to be made available to refurbish the existing circulation and bar areas.
The funding is broadly 50:50 from Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and the Arts Council for Wales.
The Friends of Pontardawe Arts Centre very much welcome this investment. It is a key part of making the Arts Centre we love continue to thrive in the future. We were pleased to be part of the steering group overseeing the work of a consultant whose analysis and recommendations underpins this investment.
It was also will fulfil a key wish you expressed in the Survey we conducted – to get new film releases on show earlier. You asked for other things to be done – which the consultant’s report supports – such as better marketing to a wider audience and a renewed programme. These are things we will continue to push for.
But what a great start. Well done Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council AND all the County and Town Councillors who continue to support us.
Friends Support “Youth Project”
Friends Support “Youth Project” though match funding and ongoing support. We are delighted that Mess Up the Mess Theatre Company have been awarded a European Union grant to deliver a Youth Engagement Project with Pontardawe Arts Centre over the next 12 months, from September 2019. This will include a weekly Drop in Tech Zone, arts-based courses, the creation of a Youth Forum, volunteering opportunities and a Young Programming Group who will work with the venue to develop a youth led programme.
Friends pay for new sound system
Our first significant contribution to the Pontardawe Arts Centre will be the provision of a stand-alone sound system with lights & stage in the recently refurbished studio.
This will enable events to be held in the studio without the need to move equipment from the Theatre which is time consuming and therefore costly. We are able to do this due to local grant aid and the generosity of long standing supporters of the Arts Centre raising £5000.
A few months ago we made an ambitious application to the Mynydd Y Gwyryd aid scheme to finance this equipment. The application was successful and pays for 80% of the project.
We have to contribute £1000 match funding to buy the equipment. We are able to do this through 2 generous donations which will allow our retained funds to stretch to other future projects as well.
As some Friends will be aware, sadly earlier this year Jenny Morris from Rhyd-y-fro passed away. Jenny was a long standing supporter of the Arts Centre. Her Family requested a donation to the Friends in lieu of flowers and which we received with thanks. We have also recently received a handsome donation from Llangiwg Community Association, another organisation associated with her family.
The generous grant plus these kind donations will secured enhanced future usage of the studio.
All the direct result of the formation of the Friends group and thanks to its members and supporters.
Pop Up Piano at the Pontardawe Arts Centre
Pop up pianos are now in the valleys of Wales as part of The Welsh Government’s ‘Our Valleys, Our Future’ campaign. A piano is here with us in the Pontardawe Arts Centre.
The piano is available for anyone to play.
We are particularly keen to identify players who would like to play at Community Events such as the Street Food Markets and festivals across the year. If you would like to learn more please contact Angie on a.dickinson@npt.gov.uk
Touring internationally since 2008, Play Me, I’m Yours is an artwork by British artist Luke Jerram. Reaching over 10 million people worldwide, more than 1,900 street pianos have been installed in 60 cities across the globe, from London to New York. Located on streets, in public parks, markets and train stations the pianos are available for everyone to play and enjoy. Play Me, I’m Yours invites the public to engage with, activate and take ownership of their urban environment, and to share their love of music and the visual arts.
Friends of Pontardawe Arts Centre 