Colourful parade to mark Glynn Vivian’s re-opening

People have the chance to be among the first to discover the restored and redeveloped Glynn Vivian Art Gallery when it re-opens next month.

Anyone who takes part in the gallery’s opening parade on Saturday October 15 will get the opportunity to explore the attraction before doors open to the public at 2pm.

Swansea Council staff based at the Glynn Vivian have organised the parade, which will start at the YMCA on Kingsway before working its way through Oxford Street and Castle Square on the way to the Glynn Vivian on Alexandra Road.

A special drop-in workshop is being held at the YMCA on Saturday September 17 from 12 to 4pm, giving people the chance to sign up to take part in the parade and help work on costumes, banners, masks and props.

Seven artists are helping the public work on the parade, which will celebrate Richard Glynn Vivian, his collection, the gallery and Swansea. They include Zanne Andrea, Anna Barratt, Louise Bird, Megan Broadmeadow, Rabab Ghazoul, Joan Jones and Aled Simons.

Alien dancers, giant inflatable swans, puppet heads, crocheted Richard Glynn Vivian beards and a psychedelic film on Castle Square’s big screen will all feature.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity not just for people to take part in the colourful parade, but also to be among the first to discover the redeveloped and restored Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.

“I’m lucky enough to have already had a tour of the building, which looks absolutely fantastic following a multi-million scheme we undertook in partnership with the Welsh Government, the Arts Council of Wales, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Friends of the Glynn Vivian. The work that’s been carried out will help preserve the historic gallery building and make it a destination attraction of international significance at the heart of a regenerated city centre, making top quality art available for people of all ages for many years to come.

“The opening parade, which we hope will feature close to 150 people and up to 250 school children, will be a festival of creativity that will celebrate Swansea’s vibrant arts community.”

New spaces for lectures, conservation work, touring exhibitions and collection displays are among the improvements to the gallery.

An exhibition of ten drawings by Leonardo da Vinci is among the attractions visitors can look forward to. On display from October 15 to January 6, Leonardo da Vinci: Ten Drawings from the Royal Collection, is showing in Swansea as the final venue of a tour to four galleries in the UK and Ireland.

Have a look at www.glynnviviangallery.org or call 01792 516900 for more information.