Artists document gallery’s transformation

The transformation of Swansea’s Glynn Vivian Art Gallery into an internationally significant attraction has been documented by eight talented artists.

Photography, printed stills, sound recordings and video footage are just some of the artworks on display at the reading room in the University of Wales Trinity St David’s ALEX building on Alexandra Road until Friday February 26.

The artworks are intended to reflect on the Gallery’s past, present and future during its time of redevelopment and renewal.

Eva Bartussek, Paul Duerinckx, Richard Higlett , Anthony Shapland,  Adele Vye, Craig Wood and Simon Whitehead & Barnaby Oliver are the artists behind the work, which will form the basis of a book to be published in future. The exhibition came about thanks to a partnership between Swansea Council and the University of Wales Trinity St David’s Swansea College of Art.

The Glynn Vivian’s redevelopment was funded by the Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh Government, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cadw and Swansea Council. Funding was also secured through the Building Enhancement Programme grant scheme run by Swansea Council and funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “The artworks forming part of this project cast a fascinating light on all aspects of the Glynn Vivian’s transformation into a destination gallery of international significance. They offer an insight into what’s been happening both at the gallery and in our hugely successful off-site programme of events and activities since the summer of 2012.

“Now that physical works have finished at the gallery, our staff are working tremendously hard in readiness for the attraction’s reopening later this year. The unpacking and cataloguing of thousands of works of art and the preparation of spaces for world class exhibitions are just some of the daily tasks keeping our talented team busy.

“The gallery’s redevelopment will support our plans to regenerate the city centre and boost Swansea’s reputation for culture and innovation.”

The redevelopment project includes a new lecture space as well as conservation, library, exhibition, learning and community spaces. There’ll also be a new a collection store for the art collection and a fully accessible entrance that means more people than ever will enjoy greatly improved access to the artworks.

A new state-of-the-art extension will link to the historic buildings, including the grade two listed 1911 gallery, which has benefitted from complete restoration and improvements to facilities and access. This includes lifts and hearing loops to ensure the Glynn Vivian is fit for the 21st Century.