Homepage on an ongoing project, typically for which we get funding, have a series of events, involve the public, create artefacts, and perform evaluations.
The Lantern parade aims to bring the people of Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire together, igniting the vibrant spirit of the local area. This will be a collective creation, shaped by the community’s ideas, energy, and artistic flair.
The Lantern parade aims to bring the people of Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire together, igniting the vibrant spirit of the local area. This will be a collective creation, shaped by the community’s ideas, energy, and artistic flair.
The Lantern parade aims to bring the people of Haverfordwest and Pembrokeshire together, igniting the vibrant spirit of the local area. This will be a collective creation, shaped by the community’s ideas, energy, and artistic flair.
Queer Creations EMERGENCE: Rising Embers is a vibrant creative programme celebrating queer identity, resilience and community through music, making and shared ritual. Bringing together LGBTQ+ participants and allies in welcoming, supportive spaces, the season invites people of all experience levels to explore self-expression, solidarity and renewal. The programme features three hands-on workshops led by practicing artists, each offering a different creative pathway. In the Emerging Songs workshop, artist Anna Sherratt guides participants through accessible approaches to songwriting, exploring themes of human resilience and queer life while building confidence in crafting meaningful lyrics. In the Queer Pennant workshop, queer artist, academic and art psychotherapist Emily Laurens reimagines traditional maritime flags as bold expressions of identity and unity. Participants sew and embellish fabric pennants using paint, appliqué and print techniques to create personal symbols of solidarity. The Stained-Glass Lantern workshop, led by multidisciplinary artist and tutor Bean Sawyer, introduces participants to glass cutting and copper-foil soldering techniques to construct their own three-dimensional lanterns. With no prior experience required and all materials provided, each person creates a unique piece designed to reflect their individual style. The Gathering – All Welcome! The season culminates in EMERGENCE: The Gathering, held at Bloomfield House. This celebratory
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
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
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
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
Outdoor Shakespeare – As You like It Love blossoms in the forest, as SPAN Arts Outdoor Shakespeare returns with ‘As You like It’. BOOK NOW After the delights of last year’s ‘The Tempest’, The Festival Players return to the beautiful grounds of Lampeter house to bring you ‘As You Like It’, a dramatic and bewildering love story that turns the conventional rules of romance on its head. Event Details: Date: Friday 13 June Time: Grounds open at 6 pm, show starts at 7 pm Pricing: Adults £15.00, Concessions £13.00, Family Ticket £45 (covers 4 tickets. Must include 1 child) Hot Food pre-order: Cawl, Bread and Cheese (suitable for Vegetarians, Gluten free and Dairy Free/Vegan options available): £6 Location: Lampeter House, Lampeter Velfrey, Narberth, SA67 8UQ. 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. SPAN is delighted to announce the return of its extremely popular outdoor Shakespeare performance for 2025. ‘As You Like It’ explores themes of exile, identity, and love in a play that examines the fluidity of gender roles and the complexities of romantic relationships as the characters navigate
‘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
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
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.
Dydd Gŵyl y Pasg: A Celebration of Welsh Springtime Traditions This April, the community is invited to take part in Dydd Gŵyl y Pasg, a celebration of Welsh traditions marking the arrival of spring. Taking place on April 12th, the event will highlight Wales’ cultural heritage, blending ancient customs with creative workshops, traditional music, and seasonal festivities. While Easter is widely observed as a Christian holiday, the arrival of spring has been honoured in Wales for centuries. In Celtic times, the Spring Equinox—a day of equal light and darkness—was seen as a time of renewal and transformation. Communities gathered to welcome the lengthening days through feasting, song, and ritual, often lighting fires as symbols of warmth and fertility. The return of the sun was deeply connected to the cycles of nature, and many of these traditions later intertwined with Easter celebrations. Building on these themes of renewal and celebration, Dydd Gŵyl y Pasg offers a range of activities inspired by Welsh customs, including: Spring Wreath-Making Workshop with Hannah Darby – A hands-on session where participants can craft their own decorative wreaths using seasonal materials, embracing the symbolism of new life and growth. Choral Procession with the Mari Lwyd made by
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.
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
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
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
Creative Connections:A Creative Respite for Unpaid Carers An open invitation to attend. Creative Connections is a monthly workshop tailored specifically for unpaid carers. It provides a safe and welcoming space where participants can step away from their daily responsibilities and immerse themselves in creative activities led by talented, hand-picked facilitators. These workshops are an opportunity to explore expression in a variety of forms, including: Music: Unleashing the rhythm within through instruments, singing, or collaborative soundscapes. Poetry and Storytelling: Finding your voice through words, whether it’s creating new stories or sharing personal experiences. Mosaic and Art: Channeling creativity into vibrant, hands-on projects that bring beauty and satisfaction. These sessions are not just about learning new skills but also about building a community, connecting with others who understand the unique challenges and joys of being a carer. Welcome Wednesdays: A Warm Space Every Two Weeks In addition to Creative Connections, SPAN Arts also hosts Welcome Wednesdays every two weeks. These informal gatherings offer a warm, relaxed space where anyone can drop in, have a chat, enjoy a cup of tea, and take part in creative activities in the gallery. Whether you feel like creating something or simply sitting back and soaking in
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
Robin Ince: The Universe and The Neurodiverse – An Evening of Stories, Poetry & Music What if being “a bit weird” is actually completely normal? What if sharing our internal struggles is a sign of strength rather than weakness? Award-winning comedian, broadcaster, and author Robin Ince has spent over 30 years entertaining audiences on stage and radio, including the acclaimed The Infinite Monkey Cage on BBC Radio 4. But behind the laughter, Robin wrestled with self-doubt, anxiety, and the challenges of ADHD—challenges that he has transformed into creative fuel for his new show. Join us for The Universe and The Neurodiverse, an evening of heartfelt stories, poetry, and humor, where Robin explores mental health, creativity, and what it means to embrace our uniqueness. Adding to the magic is live music from singer-songwriter Rachel Taylor-Beales, whose soulful blend of Americana, alt-folk, blues, and jazz beautifully complements the evening’s themes. 📅 Date: Saturday 25th January 2025 ⏰ Time: 7:30 PM (Approx. 2 hours, including Q&A) 🎟 Tickets: £10 / £8.50 concessions Location: Scout Hut Narberth This is an event not to be missed—grab your tickets now and join us for a night that celebrates the beauty of being yourself.
