News

General blog posts

News

Painting the Moment: A Workshop of Movement, Mindfulness, and Mark-Making

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 […]

News

Enjoy Every Minute / Mwynha Pob Munud Workshops

Enjoy Every Minute / Mwynha Pob Munud Eight weeks of free creative workshops in Milford Haven for mothers with children 5 and under Hi there fellow mamma! Are you looking for a space to breathe, unwind, and connect in a supportive space with other local mums? Join us for 8 weeks of free, creative workshops designed especially for mums of children aged 5 and under. WHEN? STARTING WEDNESDAY 17th SEPTEMBER running weekly until 12th NOVEMBER  (with a break for half term on the 29th October) WHAT TIME? 10am – 12pm (with a break. Free tea, coffee & cake and drinks and snacks for your little ones) WHERE? First four sessions: MILFORD HAVEN LIBRARY Last four sessions: THE PILL SOCIAL CENTRE, MILFORD HAVEN Right, that’s all the boring bits out the way, phew! Let us introduce ourselves! We are Ceri & Angharad. Two mums who work in the arts and both struggled with our mental health after having children. Finding moments to still be creative whilst juggling the rollercoaster of highs and lows of the postpartum period helped us cope and stay well. We want to offer support by sharing  these skills with you, so we have created this project – ENJOY EVERY

News

Celebrate the Magic of Welsh Summer Traditions at Dydd Gŵyl yr Haf in Narberth

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

News

SPAN is a Proud Ally!

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

News

Calling all LGBTQIA+ filmmakers in West Wales!

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!

News

CallOut: A Scratch Night of Queer Writing in West Wales

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

News

Persian Tour: An Immersive Journey Through Art, Poetry, and Culture Across Wales.

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

completed project, News, project

Love Stories to Nature – We Gathered Your Earths, Clays and Rocks!

SPAN was thrilled to welcome participants to Rhiannon Rees’s Gentle Painting Project, part of our 2024 Love Stories to Nature programme. As our latest Love Stories to Nature commission, artist Rhiannon Rees led a gentle, site-responsive painting project that invited people from across Pembrokeshire to contribute dry soil, rocks, and pebbles—materials gathered from the land they call home. Rhiannon’s practice blends her passion for sustainable painting techniques with a deep-rooted connection to her Welsh heritage. With one side of her family having once mined the Welsh land and the other having farmed it, her work with natural pigments speaks directly to this ancestry. She forages industrial waste and natural materials from across Wales, transforming them into delicate paints that speak of place and memory. The Gentle Painting Project became a beautiful act of collective mapping, inviting Pembrokeshire communities to explore and express the subtle, earthy colours of their landscape. Through this process, Rhiannon shared a quieter, more mindful approach to painting—one that honours the land and deepens our connection to

completed project, News, project

Songlines- Love Stories to Nature

As part of the Love Stories to Nature commission series, Songlines invited the community to engage with the Pembrokeshire shoreline in a unique and deeply personal way. Rooted in the ancient tradition of mapping stories through land, Songlines asked participants to write their own stories—messages of connection, memory, love, and longing—into the sands of our wild coastline. Guided by the idea that the landscape holds our histories and emotional imprints, local residents and artists came together to create ephemeral artworks using only what nature offered: sand, stones, shells, seaweed, and sunlight. From bold spirals and sweeping lines to carefully etched words and delicate symbols, each creation was a moment in time—a fleeting love letter to the land. Some drew inspiration from childhood memories of the sea, others honoured ancestors, wildlife, or elements of the natural world that ground and sustain them. The Pembrokeshire beaches became a living gallery for a day—no walls, no roof, just the rhythm of the tide marking time as the works slowly faded back into the earth. At its heart, Songlines celebrated both the intimacy and impermanence of our relationship with nature. It reminded us that storytelling doesn’t always need permanence to be powerful. Sometimes, it’s

News

SPAN’s Big Sing!

SPAN’s Big Sing! SPAN’s Big Sing brings Songs of the Land and Street Art Opera films to the Saundersfoot harbourside schooner! Event Details: Date: 24th of May Time: 7:30pm onwards Location: Saundersfoot Harbour Price: FREE. No booking required. Please contact info@span-arts.org.uk to discuss access requirements. Join us for SPAN’s Big Sing at Saundersfoot Harbour on the 24th of May. In this celebration of music, performance and song, we are joined by Music Theatre Wales with their new Street Art Opera films, and composer James Williams with the final massed choral performance of his Love Stories to Nature Commission, Songs of the Land. Songs of the Land is the final performance for SPAN’s most recent Love Stories to Nature Commission. In this project, James Williams has composed a choral piece of music that celebrates the coming together of stories gathered from choirs across Pembrokeshire, reflecting our changing relationship to the land. In this massed choral performance, all of the choirs who contributed to James’ composition will perform the final piece at Saundersfoot Harbourside for the first time. Stay with us until after dark, where Music Theatre Wales’ new Street Art Operas will enliven the Saundersfoot Coastal Schooner with large-scale, cinematic projections. These new

completed project, News, project

Seed to Flight – A Love Story to Nature in Print

In the heart of West Wales, the land itself speaks—a rich, loamy language of seed, soil, rain, and wind. In 2023, as part of SPAN Arts’ Love Stories to Nature commissions, this deep-rooted connection to the natural world found expression through Seed to Flight, a community-centred creative project that fused tactile craft with ecological reverence. Though I wasn’t present for its making, the legacy of Seed to Flight lives on in the vibrant images and community spirit it captured. Led by Sarah Sharpe and Louise Carey, the project invited participants of all ages and backgrounds to explore the ancient art of printmaking. But instead of paper, their canvas was cloth—a soft, flowing surface that seems to whisper with movement, memory, and transformation. The process itself became a kind of ritual: hands immersed in ink, leaves and feathers pressed into fabric, stories shared between sips of tea. Inspired by the natural environment—its textures, shapes, and cycles—participants printed organic patterns onto cloth, each imprint a small homage to the land that sustains us. This is what Love Stories to Nature is all about. It’s not just about making art; it’s about making meaning. It’s about allowing our creativity to take root, to

News

Looking back at Narberth A Cappella Festival 2025

Look back at The Narberth A Cappella Festival 2025 After another wonderful celebration of a cappella music, take a look back at the Narberth A Cappella Festival 2025 and re-live the joy of the Singing Feast, Workshops and Final Concert. We would like to extend a huge thank you to the artists, volunteers, committee members,  SPAN team and funders for their support of this year’s festival, contributing to the success of this much-loved celebration of a cappella music. Singing Feast The Singing Feast was a warm and inviting event with delicious food from our chefs Ifti Ahmed, Moomal Shah and Melissa Sharpe, with glorious bite-sized workshops from Helen Yeomans, Yasmine Latowski, Jamie Dawes-Hughes, and  Maya Waldman. We would also like to give special thanks to Molara, who compared the evening and delivered a wonderful vocal sharing workshop. Vocal Workshops The vocal workshops demonstrated the diversity of a cappella music. We would like to thank the exceptional vocal artists, Stacey Blythe, Yasmine Latowski, Pheobe Martha, Jay Okwulehie, Helen Yeomans and Jamie Dawes-Hughes, who delivered these workshops. https://span-arts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NAF-Workshops-2025.mp4 Community Choirs Concert The Community Choirs Concert, provided an outstanding finale to this year’s festival, showcasing some of the best of community choirs from

News

Arty Party a Creative Meet-Up at SPAN Arts: Let’s Connect, Collaborate & Celebrate

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.

completed project, News, project

Love Stories to Nature Commission – Voice of the River by Katie Jones

Voice of the River By Katie Jones Voice of the River is a poetic and powerful project by Katie Jones, commissioned as part of SPAN Arts’ Love Stories to Nature series. Rooted in the winding waters of the Eastern Cleddau in Pembrokeshire, the work explores how storytelling can inspire deeper care and connection with the natural world – especially our precious rivers and waterways.   Blending myth, memory, and local voices, Katie invited communities to gather along the banks of the Eastern Cleddau through a series of immersive workshops. These gatherings became moments of shared reflection and creativity, weaving together stories that speak to both the beauty of the river and the urgency of its protection. Voice of the River reminds us that our landscapes hold stories – ancient, personal, and imagined – and that by listening, sharing, and creating together, we can shape a more connected and sustainable future. Written by Katie Jones  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEDFqk4JyeM&t=330s

News

Swyn – Outdoor Circus at Colby Woodland Gardens

Swyn: A Spellbinding Outdoor Circus and Dance Show Celebrating Women, Ritual and Rural Life Comes to Pembrokeshire this Summer BOOK NOW This August, SPAN Arts is proud to present Swyn, a breathtaking new outdoor performance from Collective Flight Syrcas, staged in the heart of the lush and tranquil Colby Woodland Gardens. Surrounded by towering trees, birdsong, and the magic of the Pembrokeshire landscape, this unforgettable show invites audiences to pause, gather, and connect. Event Details: Location: The Meadow, Colby Woodland Gardens, Pembrokeshire Date: Saturday 2nd August 2025 Times: Performance 1 – 1pm | Performance 2 – 4pm (each approx. 45 minutes) Tickets: Pay What You Can – starting at £5 For ticket holders who need access support to attend, we offer a free ticket for their companion, carer or personal assistant. Contact 01834 869323 to book your carers ticket. Swyn (the Welsh word for “spell” or “charm”) is an atmospheric, multi-sensory experience that honours the women and the work that came before us. Through a powerful fusion of contemporary circus, acrobatic dance, bilingual storytelling, and original song, this performance evokes themes of memory, ancestry, and belonging. The show is performed on an outdoor aerial rig, surrounded by symbolic props—pails of

News

Love Stories to Nature Commission OPEN

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

completed project, News, project

Love Stories to Nature Commission – Mothers of Nature

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

News

Theatr Soffa: Bringing Theatre to Your Sofa

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

News

SPAN Arts Shortlisted for Welsh Charity Awards 2024 – Use of the Welsh Language Category

We are thrilled to announce that SPAN Arts has been shortlisted for the prestigious Welsh Charity Awards 2024 in the Use of the Welsh Language category! These awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of charities, community groups, and volunteers across Wales, and we are honored to be recognized for our efforts in promoting and using the Welsh language in all aspects of our work. The Welsh Charity Awards, organized by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), shine a spotlight on organizations that are making a positive difference in their communities. From grassroots initiatives to large-scale campaigns, the awards recognize the remarkable impact of those working to improve the lives of people in Wales. Being shortlisted for this award reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the Welsh language, and we are grateful to our team and community for helping keep it a central part of our events, outreach, and artistic efforts.   The awards ceremony will take place on 25 November 2024, and we are looking forward to celebrating with our fellow finalists. To follow our journey and the excitement of the event, join us on social media using #WelshCharityAwards and #GwobrauElusennauCymru.

News

Narberth A Cappella Voice Concert

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

Scroll to Top