Author name: Diana Budge

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Love Stories to Nature Commission OPEN

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We’re excited to hear your creative ideas for new work that responds to the prompt ‘The Environment’ with consideration towards reducing feelings of climate anxiety. We invite working in any art form to explore environmental themes in fresh, innovative ways and contribute to a wider conversation on the importance of our natural world. Please read the full brief for the 2026-27 commissioning series Join Us for a Group Open Session: Tuesday 24th March & 26th July 2026, ahead of the submission deadline for round 2. We’ll be hosting an ‘open group session’ led online by the SPAN team, where you can connect with other creatives, ask questions, and get feedback on your ideas. It’s a great chance to share your vision and gain insight into how your work could fit into this environmental commission. How to Submit: You can share your idea with us through a written or video submission. The commission comes with a budget of up to £2,500 to support the development and realisation of your idea. Deadline for commissioning round one: 6 April 2026. A further submission window will open later in the year with an August deadline. We anticipate commissioning up to 2 of the 3-5 […]

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‘An Autopsy of a Mother, a Bear and a Fridge’

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‘An Autopsy of a Mother, a Bear and a Fridge’ Join SPAN Arts for contemporary dance/theatre show ‘An Autopsy of a Mother, a Bear and a Fridge’ by mover, maker and mother, Deborah Light. Date: 16 May Time: 7 pm Pricing: Full – £12.00. Concession £8 Location: Canolfan Hermon, Hermon, Glogue, SA36 0DT BOOK SPAN Arts is delighted to present Deborah Light, a renowned dance artist, choreographer, and movement director, in her first solo show, ‘An Autopsy of a Mother, a Bear and a Fridge’. This contemporary dance/theatre show examines the experiences of being a mother through seemingly unconnected objects in this extraordinary take on what it is to be a mother. Deborah works collaboratively as an artist, choreographer, and movement director across dance, theatre, film, and site-based practice. She creates work independently and as co-director of Light/Ladd/Emberton, regularly performs for others, directs movement for theatre, and lectures in movement at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. You are warmly invited to witness the examination of three seemingly unconnected objects. As Deborah uncovers the connective tissue between mother, bear and fridge, she reveals her own vulnerability, anger, humour and strength. With cold clinical brutality, warm openness and hot feminist

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Love Stories to Nature Commission – Mothers of Nature

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The Mothers of Nature By Hannah Darby, Meg Haines, Emma Stevens This act was created through the SPAN ‘Love Stories to Nature’ commission in 2023. The Mothers of Nature is a walkabout show, with a mixture of physical acrobatic movement, dance and moments of interactions with audience members. The characters encourage onlookers to engage with the nature around them, collecting ‘words of wisdom’ and finding moments of awe in the small things, these mothers are here to share their love for nature. Using a bespoke piece of equipment, fabricated by Jo Adkins, in the style of a cockle rake and some fishing ropes. The ropes and bar are manipulated together to create a platform, used to lift, spin and balance each other whilst conjuring imagery to elevate the stories. Credits :  Film / Photography – Heather Birnie  Costume  –  Emily Redsell Cockle rake – Jo Adkins https://youtu.be/fb0bRZuDKW8

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Artist Call out: Bluestone National Park Commission

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Artist Call out: Bluestone National Park Commission We are seeking an experienced and creative digital animator/filmmaker to work with us on a new short film commission for Bluestone National Parks Resort. The commissioned 3–4-minute film will be used as part of the Bluestone staff induction. Deadline: Wednesday 23 April   We are looking for: Experience in producing new animated work to a brief and to a set timescale The ability to incorporate partner style and branding within your work You to have a connection to West Wales The ability to work collaboratively Fee: £250 per day (Project delivered between April – Sept) How to apply: Please send a link to 2 examples of recent animated work and your creative CV to development@span-arts.org.uk by Wed 23 April . FAQ’s: Can I apply as a creative team? Joint proposals from a creative team will be considered, however, we ask you to consider the scale of this project before applying. Can I apply to deliver a part of the commission? The call-out is to work with one artist/animator/filmmaker to deliver the entire commission.

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Youth Co-creation Call Out

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Summer Youth Co-creation Project Open Call-out Youth Co-creation Call-out Are you a member of a community youth group or school club with a project idea? Do you want to learn to sing, create a vegetable patch, paint a mural, or something completely different? SPAN is excited to announce an open call-out for youth groups who have a project idea and would like to access funds to co-create the project with us this July. Projects must be completed by October 2025. How to Apply To apply, please send a cover letter (up to one side of A4) describing your project, along with any pictures or links, to info@span-arts.org.uk by 12pm on Monday, 9th June. Alternatively, you can submit a 5-minute audio or video recording that covers the same information if that’s easier for you. Deadline: Monday 9th June, 12pm (midday). Contact Us We will acknowledge all applications. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@span-arts.org.uk or call us on 01834 869323.

completed project

The Big Plant Sale is back!

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The Big Plant Sale is Back!  Green thumbs and crafty hands unite as West Wales biggest community plant sale returns for 2025.  Event Details: Date: 3rd of May Time: 10am – 3pm Location: Narberth CP School, Jesse Rd, Narberth. SA67 7FE Price: Suggested £2 donation at the entrance. Stall holder enquiries: vco@span-arts.org.uk Stall holders: If you are a local grower, plant nursery, craftsperson or maker and would like to hold a stall at the fair, we are looking for wonderful eco-conscious producers to join the sale. Contact vco@span-arts.org.uk to enquire and be a part of this year’s Big Plant Sale. This year The Big Plant Sale will be held in Narberth CP School, offering more space to fill with the best of horticulture and hand-crafted items from across our local area.  As one of the first sales of the year in the area, The Big Plant sale is renowned for its wonderful balance of both specialist and everyday plants to fill your home and garden with. So, whether you are after windowsill succulents, seedlings for a bountiful veg patch or an exotic addition for your boarders, there will be something here for every grower.  Alongside plants, this year’s sale will also show

completed project

Creative Curiosity

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Creative Curiosity Celebrating a collection of creative voices from the rural communities of North Pembrokeshire This pioneering project by SPAN ARTS and its partners, Preseli Cares and PAVS (Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services), harnessed the power of creativity through artist-led workshops to address the inequalities experienced by the rural and Welsh speaking communities of North Pembrokeshire including Carers, Young people and those Over 50. Using the arts as a vehicle to support creative, community curiosity these workshops offered an accessible platform to share in what is missing in their lives and what changes need to be made. The Creative Curiosity project led by SPAN Arts was funded by the Arts Council of Wales, Arts Health, and Wellbeing fund. The project delivered in partnership with Hwyl Dda Health Board connected with the aims of Preseli Cares, a wider ‘Community-led care’ project delivered by Cwmpas, which worked to explore how communities can develop solutions to their own care and support needs. Creative Curiosity harnessed the power of the arts to spark community curiosity and inspired communities to co-produce solutions to social care issues at a community level through a programme of artist-led workshops developed and delivered by SPAN Arts. Collage, textiles and

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Natural Consequences – A love stories to Nature Commission

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Natural Consequences – A Love Stories to Nature Commission UPCOMING:  An intriguing, new, multi- media performance piece; looking at our connections to the natural world and how we affect it.  Thursday 13 March. Rhosygilwen Oak Hall, SA43 2TW  FREE event. Booking required.Click BOOK to find out more. BOOK Natural Consequences is a commissioned project for SPAN’s Love Stories to Nature initiative. This project brings together four talented artists: a composer, a choreographer, a poet/writer, and a visual artist. These artists, all older women with deep connections to the land of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, have journeyed through extensive artistic endeavours. Their work is profoundly influenced by the natural environment they inhabit. The idea for Natural Consequences stems from a desire to explore how humans and artists influence one another, communicate, and sometimes miscommunicate. Our actions set off a chain of effects on our environment, the outcomes of which are often unknown, whether beneficial or detrimental. This project reflects the natural world’s interconnectedness with humanity, highlighting our often limited understanding of nature’s messages and the consequences of our actions. The project begins with a river, chosen for its environmental significance and symbolic representation of natural consequences. As Hermann Hesse said, “Water always

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Narberth A Cappella Festival 2025!

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Narberth A Cappella Festival 2025 Narberth A Cappella Festival 2025 Our Narberth A Cappella 2025 Workshop, Singing Feast and Community Choir Concert tickets are now available to purchase! BOOK NOW SPAN Arts is delighted to announce the return of the Narberth A Cappella Festival for March 2025. This spectacular and unique festival returns to the town of Narberth for 2025, bringing wonderful A Cappella offerings to Pembrokeshire.  The Narberth A Cappella Festival, organized by SPAN Arts, is Wales’s premier a cappella voice celebration, attracting participants from across the UK. With over 25 years of history, Narberth A Cappella Festival 2025 will focus on community voices, featuring the much-loved Singing Feast and vocal workshops led by world-renowned practitioners. . The festival will commence with our welcoming Singing Feast, an evening where you can enjoy delicious food, excellent company and joyful singing on the Friday night. On the Saturday you can join our singing workshops which bring talented vocalists to teach vocal sessions in both the morning and afternoon. In the evening, we close our festival with a concert that showcases community a cappella choirs, with a line-up of UK wide and local choirs for you to enjoy. You will be able

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SPAN’s New Year’s Arty Party

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Kickstart your 2025 and join SPAN at our New Year’s Arty Party for freelance creatives in West Wales. The Arty Party returns to give your creative career a New Year boost. Join SPAN Arts for its New Year’s Arty Party on the 15th of January, a networking event designed for freelancers in the creative arts community of West Wales. Join us for a relaxed evening where local artists, creatives, and freelancers can connect, share ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration. It is also a wonderful place to learn how you can get involved in SPAN Arts’ exciting projects in the year ahead and find out more about our other artist support events like The Green Room Sessions. Whether you are looking to expand your network, find new projects to collaborate on, or simply want to see what SPAN has in store for the upcoming year, this is the perfect chance to get involved. Join us for an exciting evening at SPAN’s New Year Arty Party from 5pm until 8pm on Wednesday the 15th of January and enjoy snacks, drinks and good company. It is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow creatives, share ideas for the year ahead, and learn

completed project

Advent Concert with tenor Aled Wyn Davies and Ar Ol Tri

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With special guests Ar Ôl Tri and Aled Wyn Davies, SPAN and Menter Iaith Sir Benfro invite you to a festive evening of carols and music. SPAN and Menter Iaith Sir Benfro present the return of the much  loved Advent Concert for 2024. With spectacular special guests Ar Ôl Tri and Aled Wyn Davies, join us for an evening of joy and merriment to mark the start of the festive period. Join on a crisp winters evening in Pisga Chapel for a beautiful night of music. Our lovely community choir Côr Pawb will be there to serenade you from 4:30 when doors open, before the concert starts at 5pm. The evening will be a Welsh Language event, but all are warmly welcome to attend and enjoy the festive atmosphere, carols, and music in this Welsh celebration of the winter season. Tickets are available to book now via the SPAN arts website with a full price ticket at £12 and concession at £10. We recommend booking in advance for this very popular event. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door on the night. For more information call 01834 869323, visit span-arts.org.uk or conact info@span-arts. Event Details Deadline for postal

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Dydd Gŵyl y Nadolig: A Celebration of Welsh Christmas Traditions

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Step Back in Time at Dydd Gŵyl y Nadolig: A Celebration of Welsh Christmas Traditions Immerse yourself in the magic of traditional Welsh Festivities at Dydd Gŵyl Nadolig. Held on 21st December Located around The Town Moor in Narberth, this festive celebration invites you to experience the warmth, music, and customs of old Wales as we gather to rekindle the spirit of the season. Let the spirit of Dydd Gŵyl Nadolig envelop you as we celebrate the richness of Welsh culture, the joy of the holiday season, and the beauty of shared traditions. We look forward to welcoming you to an event where past and present come together to create something truly magical. WORKSHOPS: For those who enjoy hands-on activities, the day offers a range of creative workshop sessions. Join Hannah Darby in crafting natural wreaths using fragrant evergreens and winter berries, or get involved with Evangeline Morris and Samara van Rijswijk as they lead a workshop in making handprinted Christmas decorations. There will also be gingerbread man decorating and a treasure hunt for young adventurers, adding even more festive fun. Storytelling sessions will be woven into the day, sharing tales that capture the magic of Welsh folklore and holiday

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Deadline extended! Call Out: Chef/Cook/Catering Team

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Deadline extended! Call Out: Chef/Cook/Catering Team for the Singing Feast at SPAN’s Narberth A cappella Festival 2025 Event: Singing Feast at Narberth A cappella Festival 2025Date: Friday, 7th March 2025Location: Narberth Scout Hut, Pembrokeshire Extended deadline: 31 December 2024 We have extended our deadline for this call out! This is your opportunity to apply to be a part of the Narberth A Capella Festival 2025. About the Role: SPAN Arts is seeking a talented chef, cook, or catering team to create and deliver a series of tasting plates for our Singing Feast, the opening event of Narberth A cappella Festival 2025. This unique 2-hour event will feature a blend of feasting and singing workshops, requiring a variety of tasting plates for 50 guests. The menu should include a minimum of four courses, with options for sharing plates and individual servings, while accommodating dietary requirements. Responsibilities: Design and prepare a series of tasting plates for 50 guests. Ensure dietary requirements are met. Coordinate the preparation and service of food, ideally preparing off-site and finalizing on-site. Utilize the kitchen facilities at Narberth Scout Hut, which includes ample worktop space but limited cooking equipment. Basic crockery and cutlery will be provided. About NAVF and

News

Narberth A Cappella Voice Concert

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Get ready to be swept away by the enchanting melodies and captivating harmonies at the Narberth A Cappella Voice 2024 Concert. Set to take place on Saturday, March 2nd, at The Queen’s Hall, this exclusive event promises an evening of extraordinary performances and soul-stirring song. Being Wales only a cappella festival, the concert boasts a diverse line-up of artists and genres, ensuring there’s something to delight every musical palate. From the haunting melodies of Ar ôl Tri to the mesmerizing storytelling of Stacey Blythe & Phil Okwedy, and the harmonious sounds of The Inner Voices, attendees are in for a treat. Ar ôl Tri, the award-winning ensemble from Cardigan, has garnered acclaim at the National Eisteddfod and beyond, captivating audiences with their stirring performances rooted in Welsh tradition. Phil Okwedy, a Welsh-Nigerian storyteller, joins forces with Stacey Blythe to weave tales of heritage and memory in their performance, “Matriarchy,” supported by an Arts Council Wales grant. The Inner Voices, a vocal harmony a cappella group from Cardiff, promise a polished yet raw experience that showcases the beauty of the human voice like never before. From pop hits to emotional ballads and folk tunes, the concert guarantees an unforgettable musical journey

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Creative Connections – Art workshops for Young Carers

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In February half term there will be three days of creative arts sessions with Bill Taylor-Beales and Kelly Marie Howlett. They will happen: Tuesday 13th FebruaryThursday 15th FebruaryFriday 16th February From: 11am – 4pm Sessions are completely free and there will be drinks, snacks, lunch and a chill-out area for you to use. If you need transport to help get you here, just let us know. We understand there may be things that make it difficult to come along to a session. Please let us know if there is anything else that we can do to make this easier for you. It will be great to have you along to every workshop, but know this might not be possible – just come along as much as you are able to 😊 Email or call Bethan on 01834 869323 or info@span-arts.org.uk if you plan to come, have any questions, or you would like to chat about anything beforehand .They will be in Narberth, at this address – SPAN Arts, Town Moor, Narberth, Pembrokeshire SA67 7AG. https://www.youtube.com/embed/5TLq5eYr1Ss

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Creative Curiosity – A series of new & exciting creative workshops!

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We are offering the following free workshops to the people of North Pembrokeshire: Visual Art for Carers 18+ Digital Art for Young People age 11-17 Textiles for people over 50 Visual Art for Carers Are you caring for a friend or family member? Paid or unpaid? Join artists Di Ford and Fran Evans to learn the art of collaging in a fun environment, experimenting with various collage techniques, colour, and composition. Enjoy free refreshments, chat, and explore new skills at your own pace in these relaxed sessions. No prior experience or equipment needed. If you need help with transport contact us on 01834 869323 Drop in on any of the dates and venues below: Newport Memorial Hall, SA42 0TF Tuesday 30th January & 13rd February 10am – 1pm Canolfan Hermon, SA36 0DT  (Includes lunch as part of Share and Care) Tuesday 6th February & 20th February 5th & 19th March from  11am – 2pm Canolfan Llwynihirion Brynberian, SA41 3TY Tuesday 27 February & 12 March  from  10am – 1pm Digital Art for Young People age 11-17 Unleash your creativity! Join artists Gemma Green-Hope and Hannah Rounding to craft your animations using iPads. Dive into digital drawing programs, create visual stories,

News

SPAN Arts End of Year Highlights

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  As 2023 draws to a close, we wanted to take this opportunity to look back at the brilliant year we have had at SPAN. We want to say an extra special thank you to all our volunteers, funders and each and every person who has come along to one of our events, your continued support means so much to us!   The first quarter of the year kick started off with a variety of workshops, performances and projects including: Co-creating with young people in Ysgol Preseli Hosting a hi-hop, writing workshop with Fio for their production of House of Jollof Partnering with Milford Haven Port Authority to develop artist-led Health and Safety video with artist Gemma Green-Hope Sign and Share sessions facilitated by artist Pip Lewis Narberth A Capella Voice Festival 2023 Wales’ only a cappella festival kicked started with a singing feast. The Saturday concert showcased diverse genre performances, ensuring something for everyone. The impressive triple-bill included award-winning quartet 4 in a Bar, the exceptional Lviv soprano Khrystyna Makar, and the duo Camilo Menjura & Molara, blending Latin American grooves with choral music.Along with the feast and concert a variety of workshops took place over the weekend and the

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Welcome Wednesdays

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  Come and join us at our ‘Welcome Wednesday’ mornings at SPAN! Drop in anytime between 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, every Wednesday starting from November 1st. Whether you fancy a friendly chat over a free cuppa or to explore our craft corner for a creative outlet (it’s optional!), our doors are open to all. If you’re bringing children along, please remember that they should be accompanied and cared for by a parent or guardian. Join us for a wonderful Wednesday filled with warmth, connection, and discovery! For more information contact Bethan via info@span-arts.org.uk

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Call Out For A Songwriter/Musician

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SPAN is looking for a Songwriter/Musician, with experience of developing music with young people to create a modern music track/song. You will be working with a group of 11-18 year olds at Letterston Youth Club, Letterston Memorial Hall, Nr. Fishguard. Taking place over 4 consecutive Wednesday evenings in Jan/Feb 2024. There will be paid time for editing and a fifth Wednesday session to share the song and a video that the young people make to document the process. Fee: £1,500 (£200 per session plus £500 prep/editing time) A current DBS certificate will be required for this role. Travel expenses available. Please send us your CV and an expression of interest in written (up to 1 page) or digitally recorded form (up to 5 minutes), considering how your relevant experience would be best utilised in this project. Send your applications to info@span-arts.org.uk Closing date for applications: 17th November 2023 We will acknowledge all applications. Following the closing date, applicants will be shortlisted for eligibility by SPAN and the final decision will be made by the Young People.

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