A new mural that pays homage to the local community, the history and the culture of Aberystwyth has been unveiled on National Cycle Network Route 81, in partnership with Admiral and a host of community groups.
This project was made possible thanks to extensive collaboration between community stakeholders and project partners. Credit: Ceredigion Council.
The mural, created by Fresh Creative Abertawe as part of the Ein Cymuned, Ein Cymru (“Our Community, Our Wales”) project, funded by Admiral, showcases the local area’s rich cultural history, its role in relation to the protection of the Welsh language, as well as the impact of local community groups.
Among nods to musical and literary heritage, local nature and outdoor activities, the mural depicts the Pont Trefechan protest held by members of Cymdeithas yr Iaith (Welsh Language Society) in 1963, a key protest that drew attention to the lack of official status for the language.
Community-focused artwork that creates a sense of belonging
This new artwork, intended to highlight the pivotal part of local and Welsh history, also forms an integral part of Route 81 through Aberystwyth, connecting communities on both sides of the Afon Rheidol.
Fresh Creative, a community interest company based in Swansea that provides creative opportunities for children, young people and members of marginalised and disadvantaged groups, ran community workshops with local groups as part of the project’s design process.
Ysgol Plascrug and Aberystwyth Town Council were involved in the design consultation, as well as Wheel Together, art students from Aberystwyth University and Choirs For Good.
Fresh Creative helped run a graffiti workshop with Wheel Together, a volunteer-run accessible cycling group that supports people of all abilities in Aberystwyth to enjoy cycling, helping them to add a bit of creativity and colour to their local storage facilities.
David Toft, Director at Fresh Creative Abertawe, said of their involvement, "It’s always a delight to see how artwork can transform a location, we were honoured to be invited to work on this project, we hope the mural will bring pleasure to locals and visitors for years to come.”
“Part of the excitement of collaborative community projects is discovering what people value about their environment and where they live; we believe this mural, beautifully realised by Mark Hughes aka SoK, does justice to those discoveries.”
The mural, located under the historic Pont Trefechan, pays tribute to the area's culture and identity. Credit: Ceredigion Council.
Council interventions leading to wider improvements
The artwork has been complemented by physical improvements to the local area and section of the National Cycle Network, thanks in no small part to Ceredigion Council and their use of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Ceredigion Council supported the project by providing the crucial physical space for the mural, on a flood defence wall under Pont Trefechan, whilst also helping to fund widening and resurfacing of the route as part of their wider improvements to active travel routes in Aberystwyth.
Councillor Shelley Childs, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Environmental Services, said, “This collaboration demonstrates how investment in our infrastructure can deliver wider benefits for our communities.”
“The scheme celebrates our history, enabled community involvement, enhances active travel while also contributing to the continued revitalisation of Aberystwyth’s promenade and surrounding area.”
Speaking about the project, Anthony Jones, Network Development Manager at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, said, “It’s been amazing to bring so many Welsh elements to this project.”
“From working with the community in Aberystwyth to bringing in Fresh Creative from Swansea, the pivotal role of both the town and county councils, all culminating in a visual tapestry of the history of Cymru and the language – it’s truly been a Wales-wide project.”
“We’re incredibly grateful to Admiral as well for supporting this project and working with us to bring pride to people’s communities, giving them a sense of belonging through art.”
