Cadw and Crisis Wales join forces to encourage creative expression at Neath Abbey
During October 2021, Cadw partnered with Crisis Wales – part of the UK’s leading homeless charity – to deliver a photography based series of experiences at Cadw’s Neath Abbey, Neath Port Talbot.
Working with Crisis Wales’ Arts coordinator, Esther Ley, our Lifelong Learning team developed a series of weekly sessions focusing on various elements of the art of photography.
Week one was a chance to explore the abbey and its buildings, experiencing the sheer scale of this once prosperous religious settlement whilst getting to grips with the joy of digital photography.
Subsequent weeks developed the groups’ confidence and ability to use the camera to capture photographs that expressed their individual and unique views of the abbey and its landscape setting; even experimenting with Phytograms!
The project supported the ‘Art from Crisis’ initiative, which offers support, education and training workshops to help people reconnect with the world. It aims to enable people experiencing homelessness to discover a new joy and purpose in creativity, boosting resilience and rebuilding self-confidence.
Crisis have confirmed that the images taken by the group will be featured in their 2022 UK campaign; they’re also working on an exhibition of the project to be hosted in local galleries in and around Neath.
And, as a result of the project a new photograpy learning resource is being developed by Cadw to support other groups that may want to explore photography around heritage sites; these resources will be designed to be used in conjunction with an Arts Award opportunity or similar.
More about Crisis
We work directly with thousands of homeless people every year. We provide vital help so that people can rebuild their lives and are supported out of homelessness for good. We offer one to one support, advice and courses for homeless people in 12 areas across England, Scotland and Wales. How we help someone depends on their individual needs and situation. It could be with finding a home and settling in, getting new skills and finding a job, or help with their health and wellbeing. We use research to find out how best to improve our services, but also to find wider solutions to homelessness. Together with homeless people and Crisis supporters, we campaign for the changes needed to end homelessness for good.
To get involved:
Tel: 01792 674 900 / Email: southwales@crisis.org.uk
More about Neath Abbey
Neath Abbey was established as a Savignac monastery in 1130, but when the Order was absorbed by the rapidly expanding Cistercian order in 1147, Neath became a Cistercian House. A monastic complex was completed by the end of the twelfth century, and despite attacks during the Welsh uprisings, the site quickly prospered under the patronage of Robert de Clare and rebuilding on a larger scale started in the late thirteenth century.
Neath Abbey and Gatehouse is cared for by Cadw and is open and free to visit daily.
Visit Neath Abbey and Gatehouse
Cadw Experience Days
This project is one of a number of experience days Cadw is offering to underrepresented groups as they work to support a key element of the organisation’s vision:
A Wales where our historic places are cared for, understood and shared by everyone.
If you would like further information on how you or your group can get involved, please contact:
Email: Cadw.Education@gov.wales
