Multi-million pound boost for Swansea art gallery

Imaginative proposals to refurbish Swansea's Glynn Vivian Art Gallery while preserving its rich heritage have been given a major boost.
image depicting Atrium of the Glynn Vivian.

The Welsh Assembly Government has allocated £3.5million towards refurbishment plans for the attraction under its Strategic Capital Investment Fund.

Proposals for the Glynn Vivian that could now be realised include:

• Full physical access to all galleries, exhibitions, education and study areas with a new lift and rationalised levels.
• Renewal of the existing education room and improved facilities for work with schools and colleges.
• The creation of an attractive public space in the external courtyard.
• Improved social spaces.
• A new accessible storage area to enable the future development of collections.
• Building repair and renewal works including roof, air conditioning and lighting work.

The Arts Council of Wales has already pledged £2million towards the revamp and Swansea Council will contribute £500,000.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "This funding is terrific news because it will help preserve the Glynn Vivian's listed building status and heritage as part of a scheme to develop a visitor experience that befits the needs and aspirations of the 21st Century visitor.

"The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery has always been one of Swansea's most treasured cultural attractions but over recent years it's suffered from access issues and lack of space for collections and interpretation.

"This investment will lead to a greatly enhanced educational experience for all and facilities that will further raise the Glynn Vivian's profile.

"It's a fantastic boost for the arts in Swansea and we'll now be looking at how this money can best be spent."

Alun Ffred Jones, Welsh Assembly Minister for Heritage, said: "I'm delighted that this capital investment will go towards the repair and consolidation of a significant heritage building and collection in Swansea which will no doubt enable the gallery to build on its existing national and international reputation.

"The project will also strengthen the tourism infrastructure and is part of a wider vision for an arts quarter in the city- a vision which is based on the use of important older buildings to house creative businesses in a coherent single area."

The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery received a Beacon Company Award from The Arts Council of Wales last year in recognition of its contribution to rewarding artistic excellence and encouraging change, innovation and development in the arts.

Dr Kath Davies, Head of Arts Funding at the Arts Council of Wales, said: "We're delighted to see this important project come to fruition as it will complete our planned network of regional galleries throughout Wales.

"This will be another project of architectural excellence."

Have a look at www.swansea.gov.uk/glynnvivian for more information about the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery or call 01792 516900.