Author name: Samara Van Rijswijk

SPAN Arts is a Proud Ally! https://span-arts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SPAN-In-Review-Queer-programmingis-a-proud-ally.mp4 As a Queer led organisation with LGBTQ+ staff and trustees, we are proud to work with Queer Artists, Volunteers and Audiences in our community.  Last year we held Queer Culture Jam with Damian Kerlin, a full day long celebration of LGBTQ+ voices. With joyful, creative workshops on queerness and identity, powerful panel discussion – Queer Talk: How identity can influence our practice, and an electric dance party 8 LGBTQ+ creatives shared workshops, discussions and experiences with us and celebrated this event with 74 members of our local community!  In Emily Laurens’s Love Stories to Nature commission “Date Nature”, we explored how Eco sexuality and Queer ecology can inspire lasting, protective relationships with nature. The film she created reimagined dating apps to match humans with trees, beaches and mountains and worked with 3 community members to celebrate how queer ecology can generate meaningful relationships between humans and other beings in our natural world.  The projects accompanying “Queer Date with Nature” event looked at different ideas of Queer Ecology. Through 4 queer led workshops with 38 participants that celebrated an inclusive love and caring for nature.  We ensure that every voice will be heard within […]

Calling all LGBTQIA+ filmmakers in West Wales! We’re looking for short films (up to 15 minutes) for our upcoming Queer Film Night this October. Open to filmmakers at any stage Must be LGBTQIA+ and over 18 Living in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, or Carmarthenshire Films in Welsh, English, or bilingual welcome (please provide a translation if using other languages) You keep full ownership of your work – we just need permission to screen it for one night. Selected films will be chosen by a panel of Queer artists and filmmakers. Deadline: 28th July 2025Submit your film via FilmFreeway or email info@span-arts.org.uk for more information. Please share with anyone who might be interested!

Writing Out: A Scratch Night of Queer Writing in West Wales This Year’s Theme: Coming Out in the Country We’re looking for work that captures the joys, challenges, and vibrant experiences of queer life in rural Wales. Whether tender or triumphant, poetic or playful – we want to hear your stories. What We’re Looking For We’re accepting submissions across a range of art forms: Short Plays (up to 3 characters) Spoken Word & Poetry Monologues Short Stories Music (up to 3 songs per submission) Pieces should be no more than 10 minutes in length. Key Info Event Date: Saturday 27th September 2025 Location: Narberth Submission Deadline: Sunday 14th July 2025 Submit To: info@span-arts.org.uk Successful applicants will receive mentoring and professional feedback ahead of the sharing. On the day, pieces will be rehearsed and performed in front of a supportive live audience – with optional feedback to help shape the next stage of your creative journey. FAQs What is a scratch night? A scratch night is a platform for new, in-progress work to be performed for the first time. Writers see their words come alive, gather feedback, and build confidence – all in a welcoming, creative atmosphere. Do I need to

How do we truly experience a culture? https://span-arts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/lv_0_20250716114746.mp4 At the heart of Persian Tour sits collaboration and cultural exchange. The project features the work of five contemporary Iranian poets and artists, alongside performances by two dancers and contributions from three artistic mentors. A multilingual catalogue with Persian poetry translated into Welsh and English will accompany the exhibition, bridging cultures and languages. Saki’s work is rooted in reimagining spaces: creating environments where art transforms the familiar into something new, where audiences are transported elsewhere, and where different cultures can meet and connect. Her past projects, including Persian Murals (2021) and Off the Wall (2022), have captivated audiences with their innovative approach to Persian heritage and contemporary art. #PersianTour builds on this foundation, offering Welsh audiences a deeper, more immersive encounter with Iranian culture. In the words of Persian poet Hafez: “در ازل پرتو حسنت ز تجلی دم زد / عشق پیدا شد و آتش به همه عالم زد” “At the dawn of creation, the radiance of Your beauty shone; Love was born, and it set the whole universe aflame.” Through #PersianTour, Saki invites audiences to step into this radiance – to experience, feel, and connect with Persian culture in a way

Join us on 28th May for a relaxed and welcoming evening at SPAN Arts, as we gather local artists, creatives, and freelancers for a chance to connect, share ideas, and spark future collaborations. Whether you’re a maker, performer, designer, writer, or simply someone passionate about the creative arts, this is your opportunity to find out what’s happening behind the scenes at SPAN – and how you can be part of it. Date:  28th May 2025 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Location: SPAN Arts, Narberth Expect drinks, snacks, and good company as we ease into the new season together. You’ll also get a sneak peek at some of SPAN’s upcoming projects and find out how to get involved in shaping the creative year ahead. Whether you’re looking to grow your network, start something new, or just fancy an inspiring evening with likeminded folks – we’d love to see you there.

Theatr Soffa is back! Immerse yourself in a new story from the comfort of your home!  Are you ready to connect, create, and perform—all from the comfort of your own home? Theatr Soffa, our online community theatre company, invites individuals from across Pembrokeshire to join us for an inspiring 12-week creative journey. Perfect for anyone who may feel isolated or simply wants to try something new, Theatr Soffa offers an opportunity to connect with others, develop new skills, and create something extraordinary together. Key Details 📅 Dates: Thursdays, 9th January – 27th March 2025 ⏰ Time: 7:00–9:00 PM (via Zoom) 📍 Where: Your Sofa! What’s Involved? Over 12 weeks, participants will work together to bring a play to life, learning acting and technical skills along the way. No experience? No problem! The project is open to everyone, and we’ll provide technical support if needed. Directed by Bethan Morgan and Mabel Mckeown, the journey will culminate in a recorded presentation of the play—a chance to showcase your hard work, creativity, and collaboration. Why Join? Be part of an exciting, supportive community. Explore your creativity and build confidence. Connect with like-minded people from the comfort of home. Sign Up Today! Don’t miss

We are thrilled to announce that SPAN Arts has been shortlisted for the prestigious Welsh Charity Awards 2024 in the Use of the Welsh Language category! These awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of charities, community groups, and volunteers across Wales, and we are honored to be recognized for our efforts in promoting and using the Welsh language in all aspects of our work. The Welsh Charity Awards, organized by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), shine a spotlight on organizations that are making a positive difference in their communities. From grassroots initiatives to large-scale campaigns, the awards recognize the remarkable impact of those working to improve the lives of people in Wales. Being shortlisted for this award reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the Welsh language, and we are grateful to our team and community for helping keep it a central part of our events, outreach, and artistic efforts.   The awards ceremony will take place on 25 November 2024, and we are looking forward to celebrating with our fellow finalists. To follow our journey and the excitement of the event, join us on social media using #WelshCharityAwards and #GwobrauElusennauCymru.

  Theatr Soffa will return in January 2024 and meet online on Thursday evenings. If you are interested in joining our community company please contact Bethan by emailing info@span-arts.org.uk