Politicians and disabled people celebrate the ‘Spirit of Wales’

POLITICIANS AND DISABLED PEOPLE CELEBRATE THE ‘SPIRIT OF WALES’

Politicians last week (22 November) joined disabled students and adults for the launch of a four-day ‘Spirit of Wales’ photography exhibition at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay.

Part of a Big Lottery funded project, the exhibition was organised by Leonard Cheshire Disability. The images show what the ‘Spirit of Wales’ means to more than 70 disabled amateur photographers.

Leonard Cheshire service users – and their friends and families – from across Wales, including a group from PEMBROKESHIRE COLLEGE, travelled to Cardiff for the event. Assembly members learned how disabled people in their area have been engaging artistically with rural and urban places and learning new photography skills.

Joyce Watson AM hosted the exhibition. She was joined onstage at the launch party by John Rose, Director of the Big Lottery Fund, and fellow Labour Mid and West Wales member and government minister, Eluned Morgan.

Mrs Watson, herself a keen wildlife photographer, agreed to sponsor the project after visiting a CARMARTHEN care home in May. She said:

“I am delighted to host ‘The Spirit of Wales’ exhibition.

“When I viewed the original photographs at Ty Cwm and Johnstown Supported Living earlier this year, residents told me how much they enjoyed putting the display together – I wanted to help Leonard Cheshire take them to a wider audience.

“Thanks to Big Lottery and Leonard Cheshire, more than 70 disabled artists have had their work professionally developed and displayed – and I am thrilled Assembly members and visitors to the Senedd from around the world can now enjoy these wonderful images.”

Eluned Morgan, Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning, said:

‘Lifelong learning is something the Welsh government wants everyone to feel passionately about and this initiative is a great example of how a community project is supporting those with disabilities to develop new skills, explore new talents and build self-confidence, in a fun learning environment.

‘It was lovely to see the photographic collections on display and speak with those who have benefitted from taking part. I wish them all the best with their new interest.’

Kevin Gillespie, a resident at Cardiff’s Danybryn home, whose photos were featured in the exhibition, said:

‘I have a new interest in photography and being let loose in the open is something I really enjoyed. I’m delighted some of the photos I’ve taken are being exhibited at The National Assembly for Wales.’