Together We Create, in Penrhys

Connect and Flourish funding from the Arts Council of Wales will enable a group of freelance artists to work in collaboration with local partners and community members on a co-creation project Together We Create/Creu Gyda’n Gilydd in Penrhys and surrounding areas of Rhondda Cynon Taf, working with lead artist Matteo Marfoglia. 

The project is a collaboration with arts and non-arts partners including Trivallis Housing Association, Tempo Time Credits, Digital Communities Wales, Voluntary Arts Wales, the Co-Production Network for Wales, National Theatre Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf Arts Service and Community Champions, Penrhys Primary School and Llanfair Uniting Church. The project puts many freelance artists in the lead, both within dance and other art forms. 

Together We Create/Creu Gyda’n Gilydd was initiated by the creative research of NDCWales Associate Artist Matteo Marfoglia, who first visited Penrhys in 2018 as part of a ACW funded Creative Wales Award. Matteo was struck by the strength of community, the belonging to a place and the sense of resilience he encountered. Matteo’s aspirations for a meaningful arts project led to investment over the last two years from NDCWales and National Theatre Wales to develop his understanding of the community, explore potential partners and scope interest from within the community for a long-term project. 

“What I love about Matteo’s approach is he brings the sensitivity of an artist along with a deep respect for the resources that lie within the community itself.” Miranda Ballin, Artistic Director Sparc, Valleys Kids. 

Matteo’s work has culminated in a successful Connect and Flourish application to be the lead artist on Together We Create/Creu Gyda’n Gilydd: the project seeks to unite local stakeholders, creative practitioners and the community to collectively explore their hopes, needs and desires in everyday life through utilising a range of art forms as tools for self-empowerment and social change. 

“The team of NDC Wales are well aware of the importance of listening to, working closely with the local community and being adaptable in their engagement.” Sharon Rees, Education Worker, Llanfair Uniting Church. 

NDCWales is excited to have the opportunity to work to develop a model of co-creation with RCT communities that puts their creativity and aspirations at the heart of the project. 

If you want to find out more about the ‘Together We Create/Creu Gyda’n Gilydd’ project please contact Guy O’Donnell, Learning and Participation Producer, NDCWales. guy@ndcwales.co.uk 

Updated on Fri 16 July 2021