Ancient Connections is commissioning an ambitious public art project that will culminate in two artworks, one in St Davids and one in Ferns. The artworks will be linked to each other in some way, encouraging visitors to go to both regions to truly appreciate the artwork as a whole.
Back in November 2019, the project team undertook community consultation in Ferns and St Davids to understand better people’s hopes and expectations for the public art. There was common agreement among those who participated that accessible and interactive artworks made from environmentally sustainable materials and methods were desired.
Five artists, or artistic collaborations have been shortlisted and have submitted design proposals. Ancient Connections really wants to hear what you think about each design. You can view the proposals and take part in an online consultation by visiting www.haveyoursay.pembrokeshire.gov.uk Averaged scores of all participants will contribute to 20% of the artists score. A specialist panel will take this into consideration and make the final decision in June 2021.
The selected artwork will be constructed during 2021 and completed in 2022.
Pembrokeshire based Studio Melyn comprising of the collaborative team of architectural glass artist Rachel Phillips and visual artist Linda Norris made the shortlist as did Holger C. Lonze, an artist based in Northern Ireland who works primarily in recycled bronze using traditional mediaeval casting methods. A cross-border collaboration between Cardiff based artist Mark Gubb and Dublin based artist Alan Phelan has also been shortlisted, as well as Simon Watkinson, a versatile artist working in a range of mediums based in the north of England. The fifth artist is Bedwyr Williams – who represented Wales in the Venice Biennale in 2013, and will be collaborating with Contemporary Art Studio.
Pembrokeshire County Council, County Hall, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. SA61 1TP
E: ancientconnections@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
T: +44 (0)7798925695
Wexford County Council: County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93
E: ancient.connections@wexfordcoco.ie
T: +353 (0) 87 338 6005
© 2021 All Rights Reserved
Pembrokeshire County Council, together with partners Wexford County Council, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Visit Wexford are working collaboratively on Ancient Connections, an exciting cross-border arts, heritage and sustainable tourism project funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales co-operation programme.
