Lifelong Learning Project News Report — BeConwy

In 2021 Cadw’s Lifelong Learning team and Conwy Castle partnered up with Pigtown Theatre, Shakes VR, Disability Arts Conwy, Conwy Cultural Centre and eight other organisations on an exciting Virtual Reality project.

Conceived and led by Pigtown Theatre and funded by Arts Council Wales Connect and Flourish Grant, Cadw was excited to be part of this inspiring new way of creating accessibility to our heritage.

Aptly named BeConwy, this foray into a virtual world was so inspiring and original it broke the mould of live virtual experiences!

Combining heritage and performing arts, this project reached out globally, with involvement from six nations, putting Conwy Castle on the international map in the most spectacular way.

Take a moment to imagine... being able to navigate through Castell Conwy virtually using avatars, whilst enjoying the recreated heritage.

Experiencing a live performance where professional actors, in the guise of Jackdaws, guide you through an almost 'Escape the Room' like setting whilst unlocking the intriguing stories of Conwy.

Being surrounded by artwork made by local people and created digitally by up-and-coming young digital artists. Artists who have worked their magic to create a scale replica of our castle in a virtual world. Listening to the sounds of new music composed and sung by a talented Welsh musician.

And finally relaxing in the Jackdaw lounge, set in the castle hall, where you can speak to the other participants and share your experiences with each other.

Accessed through mobiles, laptops and headsets, with a total of 684 creatives involved, this project has been so inspiring and innovative that there is now interest all across the digital arena and the world.

As part of our ongoing partnership we hope to continue to gaze into the digital future and help to bring this experience to people across Wales and the world.

Watch this virtual space!

Watch our short film to give a flavour of what happened...