University of South Wales and Music Declares Emergency partner on new Welsh language mural for Cardiff city centre site

No Music On A Dead Planet artwork first non-English language commission

Leading music and climate charity Music Declares Emergency has partnered with students from the University of South Wales to create a stunning new mural for Cardiff city centre as part of their No Music On A Dead Planet campaign.

The mural, designed by a team of BA Illustration students, is the first to translate the iconic slogan from English and blends Welsh folk tradition, Wales’ music heritage, and climate activism to create a 5m plus high artwork on Womanby Street at the heart of the city’s music and nightlife centre.

The project has been led by Lucy Squire, (Academic Manager) and Liam Barrett (Lecturer) at The University of South Wales with Lewis Jamieson of Music Declares Emergency. The mural is a part of the University’s Immersed Festival which celebrates Welsh music and creative talent and this year partners with the 6 Music Festival, showcasing the best of South Wales’ vibrant music scene across three fringe events, all in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust.

As part of Immersed, daytime sessions on Tuesday 29^th March at Cardiff’s Tramshed will form the first Climate Clash Cymru with conversation and debate on how the music industry and music community can become more sustainable. Tickets for the day are available here. 

Lucy Squire said

“The opportunity to work with Music Declares Emergency and host their first event in Wales is providing our music community with important context and focus for environmental change. Placed within the heart of Womanby Street, the mural marks a creative moment to reflect on what action can be taken and why.”

Liam Barrett said

“It was great for our USW Illustration students to mark Music Declare Emergency’s first visit to Wales by creating this mural. The mural is not only there to bring attention to the important NO MUSC ON A DEAD PLANET campaign but also celebrates a communal aspect of live music and Cardiff’s lively independent music scene, which has nurtured many up and coming musicians over the years.”

Lewis Jamieson said:

“Music Declares Emergency exists to bring everyone into the conversation about how we respond to the climate emergency, and we are thrilled to be unveiling our first non-English mural in the heart of Wales, a country with an astoundingly rich musical and social heritage. By placing this amazing mural at the heart of Cardiff’s gig district, we hope that music fans of all types will think about its message and how they can play a part in responding to the greatest challenge we face.”

The mural will be officially unveiled as part of the Immersed Festival on the afternoon of 29^th March.