Colourful hoardings up as Swansea's Glynn Vivian Art Gallery refurbishment continues

SWANSEA, Wales - April 24, 2013 - PRLog -- DESPITE its temporary closure for major refurbishment, people passing by Swansea's Glynn Vivian Art Gallery building can still marvel over stunning artworks dating back centuries.

Colourful and informative hoardings have now gone up at the historic Alexandra Road building as contractors continue with a £6 million project on site.

Some of the artworks included are Swansea by Samuel Austin (1796 - 1834), Swansea Castle in 1885 by Alfred Parkman and Swansea Market in 1830 by Calvert Richard Jones.

All artworks on the hoardings have been picked by the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery's over 55s group and the Glynn Vivian Young People that now meet at the YMCA on the Kingsway while refurbishment works at the main gallery building are ongoing.

Their classes are among many being held for people of all ages as part of the Glynn Vivian's extensive programme of off-site events and activities.

The hoardings also include information about the refurbishment project and a QR (Quick Response) code that people with smart phones can scan over to be taken straight to the Glynn Vivian's website.

Refurbishment of the main gallery building includes major alteration works to the 1970s wing, the conservation of the original 1911 gallery, and an extension to the rear of the Alexandra Road buildings.

Cllr Nick Bradley, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "Swansea is a leading city of culture and the refurbishment of the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery will help strengthen that reputation.

The project will lead to a visitor experience befitting of the 21st Century within an architecturally stunning setting. It will also help open up the arts to many thousands more people of all ages not just in Swansea but across South Wales as a whole. This again shows what can be achieved by working in close partnership with the Welsh Government, the Arts Council of Wales and other organisations."

The refurbishment will also include a new entrance and shop at street level into the 1970s wing, a new passenger lift, more space for displays and exhibitions, a new lecture space and community room, a new welcome area for learning programmes, and a dedicated library and archive.

The refurbishment project is being funded by the Welsh Government (including £550,000 from the Swansea Regeneration Area programme), the Arts Council of Wales and Swansea Council. Money has also been secured through the Building Enhancement Programme grant scheme run by Swansea Council and funded by European Regional Development Fund.

John Griffiths, the Welsh Government's Minister for Culture and Sport, said: "The Glynn Vivian Gallery has always provided the opportunity for people to experience the best in Welsh and international art. It attracts many people to Swansea, thereby boosting the local economy. So I am pleased that the Welsh Government has been able to provide £3.5 million via our Strategic Capital Investment Fund towards its refurbishment."

Dr Kath Davies, Director of Investment and Funding Services at the Arts Council of Wales, said: "Arts Council of Wales funding is supporting the gallery in making its arts and educational programme more accessible to the local community and helping create a new social space in the premises where people can meet, discuss and take part in the arts. The Glynn Vivian is a key venue in our national network of galleries and this project reflects its ambition to deliver the best in the visual arts in Wales. This elegant and ambitious scheme will offer something for everyone."

The gallery is also supported by a £576,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop a learning and participation programme relating to the original Glynn Vivian bequest. This will take place off-site and there'll also be new displays when the gallery is expected to re-open in the autumn of 2014.