Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham’s new £4.5 million Markets, Communities and Arts development, has been officially opened prior to the public celebration of Dydd Llun Pawb on Monday.
The event also signalled the opening of “Is This Planet Earth” exhibition curated by Angela Kingston who was on hand to speak about the works on display. The exhibition is made up of the work of ten different artists and will explore what the earth might look like in the future, with a strong focus on environmental and ecological changes. The exhibition will feature Wrexham-specific artwork, along with some pieces looking at global themes.
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Work on the new facility began in January 2017 with Wynne Construction taking on the challenge of transforming the former market hall into today’s bright, airy new facility that will add to Wrexham’s thriving arts scene with the addition of a food hall and market stalls.
Members of the community have been involved throughout works with projects and workshops and even the new name for the facility “Tŷ Pawb” came as a result of a stakeholder workshop, which included representatives from the arts and market traders in Wrexham, followed by a public vote.
“Innovative and exciting”
Cllr Hugh Jones, who unveiled the official plaque said of the opening: “I am very pleased and proud to be here along with representatives from the Arts Council Wales, and members of the arts and markets community in Wrexham. Tŷ Pawb is something we have all worked hard to deliver for the people of Wrexham and the wider areas. It’s innovative and exciting and shows both our commitment to our markets and to the thriving arts scene in Wrexham. I would like to thank everyone involved in this project and wish them a successful future. Particular thanks should go to the Arts Council Wales. Without their generous financial support none of this would have happened and I am very happy that their Chair, Phil George is with us today to mark this occasion.”
“Strong Partnership”
Phil George, Chair of Arts Council Wales was also on hand for the opening, he said: “In these challenging times for public funding, it is thrilling to welcome the opening of the innovative Tŷ Pawb which has been made possible by a strong partnership between the Arts Council of Wales, Wrexham Council and the Welsh Government. I’m convinced that this exciting fusion of arts spaces with market stalls will be really attractive and effective. It will both meet local needs and help to build Wrexham as a destination for visitors. Regeneration and artistic imagination will go hand in hand, as they so often do”.
Tŷ Pawb now provides two galleries, one to national standards for the display of exhibitions, a number of performance spaces that will be flexible in use, market stalls, a learning and education space and a food court. Other features include a Shepherd’s Hut workshop, new furniture and seating.
“Focal point for visitors”
Wal Pawb, a a huge public artwork was created by artist Katie Cuddon. It’s bright, bold and playful and will create a focal point for visitors to the new centre. Furniture was commissioned by Tim Denton who worked with the community to make 90% of the furniture to be used in the new facility. Read more about this here
Following the official opening attention now turns to the huge celebratory event planned for Monday, April 2, which begins at 12.30 with a parade from Hope Street led by which will be led by North Wales’ self-proclaimed “brass band with attitude” Band Pres Llareggub Bras Band. Part of the parade will also feature six giant sculptures representing six different aspects of Wrexham’s history and community. Many of the town’s charities, youth and communitiy organisations will make up the parade which make its way through the town centre to the main entrance of Tŷ Pawb on Market Street.
“Grand firework finale”
There will be a ribbon cutting when the parade arrives at Tŷ Pawb and then the activities will continue until 9pm with a grand firework finale. In between there will be activities for children organised by our Play Team and along Chester Street there will be a fairground stall with a Victorian twist, a host of arts, craft, food and drink stall, Techniquest Glyndwr’s StarDome Planetarium and live music from artists including The Big Beat, Wrexham Community Choir, Baby brave and the Black Park Accordion Club.
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