We’re thrilled to announce that the Pontardawe Heritage Filmmaking Project is now underway! Delivered in partnership with Pontardawe Arts Centre and funded by UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this exciting initiative brings together creativity, heritage, and community.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is part of the UK government’s commitment to empowering communities and driving economic growth across the country. You can find out more on the UKSPF website.

This project uses the power of the arts to connect children and young people in Pontardawe with their local heritage. It features three interlinked strands of creative activity:

Summer Taster Workshops – These workshops introduced filmmaking and a variety of other art forms, inspiring participants to get involved with the main film project.

Autumn Filmmaking Programme – Taking place during evenings and weekends, this hands-on programme sees young people exploring and creatively interpreting the heritage of Pontardawe, including the Pontardawe Heritage Trail and the Arts Centre. Participants receive expert training from a professional filmmaker, writer/researcher, musician/sound designer, and visual artist. Using the skills they develop, they are creating their own original film celebrating local heritage.

School-Based Arts Workshops – Poetry, storytelling, and visual art workshops delivered in local schools are engaging more children and young people in exploring Pontardawe’s heritage. 

The final film screening and celebration event will take place at Pontardawe Arts Centre in December, accompanied by an exhibition of project materials, including artworks from the school workshops. After the launch, the film will also be made available online, and shared with the Pontardawe Arts Centre and the Heritage Centre.

We can’t wait to celebrate the creativity and heritage of Pontardawe with local young people and the wider community!