Author name: Samara Van Rijswijk

SPAN Arts is proud to present Writing in the Fungal Queendom, a unique and immersive creative writing workshop that invites participants to explore identity, transformation, and interconnectedness through the intertwined lenses of queer ecology and the lived experiences of BPOC (Black and People of Colour) trans femmes. These free 2.5-hour workshops are designed for adults of all backgrounds, whether seasoned writers or complete beginners, and will take place in two accessible locations in Pembrokeshire this September. Led by cee-cee manrique, a trans femme mushroom farmer and emerging writer, the sessions draw inspiration from fungi—those hidden, resilient, and transformative forces in nature, as a metaphor and guide for personal and collective change. Fungi, like gender and identity, are fluid, adaptive, and often unseen. This workshop explores what we can learn from their quiet strength and interconnected networks, offering a fresh and poetic way to think about ourselves and the transitions we navigate in life. Alongside reflections on the natural world, participants will also engage with powerful texts from BPOC trans femmes voices too often overlooked but rich with insight, creativity, and resistance. These short readings will act as a springboard for a series of gentle writing prompts, encouraging participants to delve […]

Saturday 23rd August 20252:00PM – 4:00PM | The Scout Hut, Narberth | £10 / £8 concessionRecommended age: 8+ | Capacity: 25 participants What happens when the slow grace of butoh dance meets the delicate motion of a paintbrush? When creativity slows to the pace of breath, and the swirl of a body in motion becomes the subject of an afternoon’s artistic meditation? SPAN Arts’ Scout Hut Sessions invite you to experience this unique intersection of disciplines with Painting Movement — an immersive cross-artform workshop led by artist-facilitators Billy Maxwell-Taylor and Phoebe Lester. It’s an invitation to pause, observe, and respond — not with words, but with lines, colour, and intuition. Set against a backdrop of ambient music in a softly lit, welcoming space, participants are encouraged to sketch, paint, or draw what they feel as much as what they see. The live movement, a flowing fusion of spiralling acrobatics and the meditative slowness of butoh—a Japanese form of dance theatre—will unfold before you like a dream in motion. You’ll be guided gently through the process, with the chance to use provided materials or bring your own (yes, even the long-forgotten art supplies gathering dust at home). Whether you’re an experienced

This August, the town of Narberth invites families and creatives alike to step into a day filled with the wonder of Welsh myth, tradition, and summer folklore, as SPAN Arts presents Dydd Gŵyl yr Haf, a vibrant bilingual festival held across the Scout Hut and SPAN Arts buildings. Taking place on Saturday 30th August, Dydd Gŵyl yr Haf offers an enchanting mix of storytelling, hands-on workshops, and cultural celebration, all inspired by the traditions of the Tylwyth Teg, the Welsh fairy folk – and the wisdom of summer herbs and legends passed down through generations. At the Scout Hut, from 2pm to 5pm, families will be welcomed into a joyful, relaxed space brimming with imaginative activities. From craft-making inspired by local folklore to captivating storytelling and a playful treasure hunt, the afternoon is designed to delight children and adults alike. The emphasis is on connection, to each other, to nature, and to the stories that shape our sense of place. This event is open to all ages, with entry available on a Pay What You Can basis starting at just £3 per person. Meanwhile, just a short walk away at the SPAN Arts building, artist Ffion Taverner will be leading

SPAN Arts is a Proud Ally! https://span-arts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SPAN-In-Review-Queer-programmingis-a-proud-ally.mp4 As a Queer led organisation with LGBTQ+ staff and trustees, we are proud to work with Queer Artists, Volunteers and Audiences in our community.  Last year we held Queer Culture Jam with Damian Kerlin, a full day long celebration of LGBTQ+ voices. With joyful, creative workshops on queerness and identity, powerful panel discussion – Queer Talk: How identity can influence our practice, and an electric dance party 8 LGBTQ+ creatives shared workshops, discussions and experiences with us and celebrated this event with 74 members of our local community!  In Emily Laurens’s Love Stories to Nature commission “Date Nature”, we explored how Eco sexuality and Queer ecology can inspire lasting, protective relationships with nature. The film she created reimagined dating apps to match humans with trees, beaches and mountains and worked with 3 community members to celebrate how queer ecology can generate meaningful relationships between humans and other beings in our natural world.  The projects accompanying “Queer Date with Nature” event looked at different ideas of Queer Ecology. Through 4 queer led workshops with 38 participants that celebrated an inclusive love and caring for nature.  We ensure that every voice will be heard within

Calling all LGBTQIA+ filmmakers in West Wales! We’re looking for short films (up to 15 minutes) for our upcoming Queer Film Night this October. Open to filmmakers at any stage Must be LGBTQIA+ and over 18 Living in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, or Carmarthenshire Films in Welsh, English, or bilingual welcome (please provide a translation if using other languages) You keep full ownership of your work – we just need permission to screen it for one night. Selected films will be chosen by a panel of Queer artists and filmmakers. Deadline: 28th July 2025Submit your film via FilmFreeway or email info@span-arts.org.uk for more information. Please share with anyone who might be interested!

Writing Out: A Scratch Night of Queer Writing in West Wales This Year’s Theme: Coming Out in the Country We’re looking for work that captures the joys, challenges, and vibrant experiences of queer life in rural Wales. Whether tender or triumphant, poetic or playful – we want to hear your stories. What We’re Looking For We’re accepting submissions across a range of art forms: Short Plays (up to 3 characters) Spoken Word & Poetry Monologues Short Stories Music (up to 3 songs per submission) Pieces should be no more than 10 minutes in length. Key Info Event Date: Saturday 27th September 2025 Location: Narberth Submission Deadline: Sunday 14th July 2025 Submit To: info@span-arts.org.uk Successful applicants will receive mentoring and professional feedback ahead of the sharing. On the day, pieces will be rehearsed and performed in front of a supportive live audience – with optional feedback to help shape the next stage of your creative journey. FAQs What is a scratch night? A scratch night is a platform for new, in-progress work to be performed for the first time. Writers see their words come alive, gather feedback, and build confidence – all in a welcoming, creative atmosphere. Do I need to

How do we truly experience a culture? https://span-arts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/lv_0_20250716114746.mp4 At the heart of Persian Tour sits collaboration and cultural exchange. The project features the work of five contemporary Iranian poets and artists, alongside performances by two dancers and contributions from three artistic mentors. A multilingual catalogue with Persian poetry translated into Welsh and English will accompany the exhibition, bridging cultures and languages. Saki’s work is rooted in reimagining spaces: creating environments where art transforms the familiar into something new, where audiences are transported elsewhere, and where different cultures can meet and connect. Her past projects, including Persian Murals (2021) and Off the Wall (2022), have captivated audiences with their innovative approach to Persian heritage and contemporary art. #PersianTour builds on this foundation, offering Welsh audiences a deeper, more immersive encounter with Iranian culture. In the words of Persian poet Hafez: “در ازل پرتو حسنت ز تجلی دم زد / عشق پیدا شد و آتش به همه عالم زد” “At the dawn of creation, the radiance of Your beauty shone; Love was born, and it set the whole universe aflame.” Through #PersianTour, Saki invites audiences to step into this radiance – to experience, feel, and connect with Persian culture in a way

Join us on 28th May for a relaxed and welcoming evening at SPAN Arts, as we gather local artists, creatives, and freelancers for a chance to connect, share ideas, and spark future collaborations. Whether you’re a maker, performer, designer, writer, or simply someone passionate about the creative arts, this is your opportunity to find out what’s happening behind the scenes at SPAN – and how you can be part of it. Date:  28th May 2025 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Location: SPAN Arts, Narberth Expect drinks, snacks, and good company as we ease into the new season together. You’ll also get a sneak peek at some of SPAN’s upcoming projects and find out how to get involved in shaping the creative year ahead. Whether you’re looking to grow your network, start something new, or just fancy an inspiring evening with likeminded folks – we’d love to see you there.

Theatr Soffa is back! Immerse yourself in a new story from the comfort of your home!  Are you ready to connect, create, and perform—all from the comfort of your own home? Theatr Soffa, our online community theatre company, invites individuals from across Pembrokeshire to join us for an inspiring 12-week creative journey. Perfect for anyone who may feel isolated or simply wants to try something new, Theatr Soffa offers an opportunity to connect with others, develop new skills, and create something extraordinary together. Key Details 📅 Dates: Thursdays, 9th January – 27th March 2025 ⏰ Time: 7:00–9:00 PM (via Zoom) 📍 Where: Your Sofa! What’s Involved? Over 12 weeks, participants will work together to bring a play to life, learning acting and technical skills along the way. No experience? No problem! The project is open to everyone, and we’ll provide technical support if needed. Directed by Bethan Morgan and Mabel Mckeown, the journey will culminate in a recorded presentation of the play—a chance to showcase your hard work, creativity, and collaboration. Why Join? Be part of an exciting, supportive community. Explore your creativity and build confidence. Connect with like-minded people from the comfort of home. Sign Up Today! Don’t miss