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Read about Span’s recent achievements and how the project has made its mark.

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Love Stories to Nature – We Gathered Your Earths, Clays and Rocks!

SPAN was thrilled to welcome participants to Rhiannon Rees’s Gentle Painting Project, part of our 2024 Love Stories to Nature programme. As our latest Love Stories to Nature commission, artist Rhiannon Rees led a gentle, site-responsive painting project that invited people from across Pembrokeshire to contribute dry soil, rocks, and pebbles—materials gathered from the land they call home. Rhiannon’s practice blends her passion for sustainable painting techniques with a deep-rooted connection to her Welsh heritage. With one side of her family having once mined the Welsh land and the other having farmed it, her work with natural pigments speaks directly to this ancestry. She forages industrial waste and natural materials from across Wales, transforming them into delicate paints that speak of place and memory. The Gentle Painting Project became a beautiful act of collective mapping, inviting Pembrokeshire communities to explore and express the subtle, earthy colours of their landscape. Through this process, Rhiannon shared a quieter, more mindful approach to painting—one that honours the land and deepens our connection to

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Songlines- Love Stories to Nature

As part of the Love Stories to Nature commission series, Songlines invited the community to engage with the Pembrokeshire shoreline in a unique and deeply personal way. Rooted in the ancient tradition of mapping stories through land, Songlines asked participants to write their own stories—messages of connection, memory, love, and longing—into the sands of our wild coastline. Guided by the idea that the landscape holds our histories and emotional imprints, local residents and artists came together to create ephemeral artworks using only what nature offered: sand, stones, shells, seaweed, and sunlight. From bold spirals and sweeping lines to carefully etched words and delicate symbols, each creation was a moment in time—a fleeting love letter to the land. Some drew inspiration from childhood memories of the sea, others honoured ancestors, wildlife, or elements of the natural world that ground and sustain them. The Pembrokeshire beaches became a living gallery for a day—no walls, no roof, just the rhythm of the tide marking time as the works slowly faded back into the earth. At its heart, Songlines celebrated both the intimacy and impermanence of our relationship with nature. It reminded us that storytelling doesn’t always need permanence to be powerful. Sometimes, it’s

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Seed to Flight – A Love Story to Nature in Print

In the heart of West Wales, the land itself speaks—a rich, loamy language of seed, soil, rain, and wind. In 2023, as part of SPAN Arts’ Love Stories to Nature commissions, this deep-rooted connection to the natural world found expression through Seed to Flight, a community-centred creative project that fused tactile craft with ecological reverence. Though I wasn’t present for its making, the legacy of Seed to Flight lives on in the vibrant images and community spirit it captured. Led by Sarah Sharpe and Louise Carey, the project invited participants of all ages and backgrounds to explore the ancient art of printmaking. But instead of paper, their canvas was cloth—a soft, flowing surface that seems to whisper with movement, memory, and transformation. The process itself became a kind of ritual: hands immersed in ink, leaves and feathers pressed into fabric, stories shared between sips of tea. Inspired by the natural environment—its textures, shapes, and cycles—participants printed organic patterns onto cloth, each imprint a small homage to the land that sustains us. This is what Love Stories to Nature is all about. It’s not just about making art; it’s about making meaning. It’s about allowing our creativity to take root, to

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Love Stories to Nature Commission – Voice of the River by Katie Jones

Voice of the River By Katie Jones Voice of the River is a poetic and powerful project by Katie Jones, commissioned as part of SPAN Arts’ Love Stories to Nature series. Rooted in the winding waters of the Eastern Cleddau in Pembrokeshire, the work explores how storytelling can inspire deeper care and connection with the natural world – especially our precious rivers and waterways.   Blending myth, memory, and local voices, Katie invited communities to gather along the banks of the Eastern Cleddau through a series of immersive workshops. These gatherings became moments of shared reflection and creativity, weaving together stories that speak to both the beauty of the river and the urgency of its protection. Voice of the River reminds us that our landscapes hold stories – ancient, personal, and imagined – and that by listening, sharing, and creating together, we can shape a more connected and sustainable future. Written by Katie Jones  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEDFqk4JyeM&t=330s

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‘An Autopsy of a Mother, a Bear and a Fridge’

‘An Autopsy of a Mother, a Bear and a Fridge’ Join SPAN Arts for contemporary dance/theatre show ‘An Autopsy of a Mother, a Bear and a Fridge’ by mover, maker and mother, Deborah Light. Date: 16 May Time: 7 pm Pricing: Full – £12.00. Concession £8 Location: Canolfan Hermon, Hermon, Glogue, SA36 0DT BOOK SPAN Arts is delighted to present Deborah Light, a renowned dance artist, choreographer, and movement director, in her first solo show, ‘An Autopsy of a Mother, a Bear and a Fridge’. This contemporary dance/theatre show examines the experiences of being a mother through seemingly unconnected objects in this extraordinary take on what it is to be a mother. Deborah works collaboratively as an artist, choreographer, and movement director across dance, theatre, film, and site-based practice. She creates work independently and as co-director of Light/Ladd/Emberton, regularly performs for others, directs movement for theatre, and lectures in movement at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. You are warmly invited to witness the examination of three seemingly unconnected objects. As Deborah uncovers the connective tissue between mother, bear and fridge, she reveals her own vulnerability, anger, humour and strength. With cold clinical brutality, warm openness and hot feminist

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Love Stories to Nature Commission – Mothers of Nature

The Mothers of Nature By Hannah Darby, Meg Haines, Emma Stevens This act was created through the SPAN ‘Love Stories to Nature’ commission in 2023. The Mothers of Nature is a walkabout show, with a mixture of physical acrobatic movement, dance and moments of interactions with audience members. The characters encourage onlookers to engage with the nature around them, collecting ‘words of wisdom’ and finding moments of awe in the small things, these mothers are here to share their love for nature. Using a bespoke piece of equipment, fabricated by Jo Adkins, in the style of a cockle rake and some fishing ropes. The ropes and bar are manipulated together to create a platform, used to lift, spin and balance each other whilst conjuring imagery to elevate the stories. Credits :  Film / Photography – Heather Birnie  Costume  –  Emily Redsell Cockle rake – Jo Adkins https://youtu.be/fb0bRZuDKW8

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Artist Call out: Bluestone National Park Commission

Artist Call out: Bluestone National Park Commission We are seeking an experienced and creative digital animator/filmmaker to work with us on a new short film commission for Bluestone National Parks Resort. The commissioned 3–4-minute film will be used as part of the Bluestone staff induction. Deadline: Wednesday 23 April   We are looking for: Experience in producing new animated work to a brief and to a set timescale The ability to incorporate partner style and branding within your work You to have a connection to West Wales The ability to work collaboratively Fee: £250 per day (Project delivered between April – Sept) How to apply: Please send a link to 2 examples of recent animated work and your creative CV to development@span-arts.org.uk by Wed 23 April . FAQ’s: Can I apply as a creative team? Joint proposals from a creative team will be considered, however, we ask you to consider the scale of this project before applying. Can I apply to deliver a part of the commission? The call-out is to work with one artist/animator/filmmaker to deliver the entire commission.

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Dydd Gŵyl y Pasg: A Celebration of Welsh Springtime Traditions

Dydd Gŵyl y Pasg: A Celebration of Welsh Springtime Traditions This April, the community is invited to take part in Dydd Gŵyl y Pasg, a celebration of Welsh traditions marking the arrival of spring. Taking place on April 12th, the event will highlight Wales’ cultural heritage, blending ancient customs with creative workshops, traditional music, and seasonal festivities. While Easter is widely observed as a Christian holiday, the arrival of spring has been honoured in Wales for centuries. In Celtic times, the Spring Equinox—a day of equal light and darkness—was seen as a time of renewal and transformation. Communities gathered to welcome the lengthening days through feasting, song, and ritual, often lighting fires as symbols of warmth and fertility. The return of the sun was deeply connected to the cycles of nature, and many of these traditions later intertwined with Easter celebrations. Building on these themes of renewal and celebration, Dydd Gŵyl y Pasg offers a range of activities inspired by Welsh customs, including: Spring Wreath-Making Workshop with Hannah Darby – A hands-on session where participants can craft their own decorative wreaths using seasonal materials, embracing the symbolism of new life and growth. Choral Procession with the Mari Lwyd made by

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The Big Plant Sale is back!

The Big Plant Sale is Back!  Green thumbs and crafty hands unite as West Wales biggest community plant sale returns for 2025.  Event Details: Date: 3rd of May Time: 10am – 3pm Location: Narberth CP School, Jesse Rd, Narberth. SA67 7FE Price: Suggested £2 donation at the entrance. Stall holder enquiries: vco@span-arts.org.uk Stall holders: If you are a local grower, plant nursery, craftsperson or maker and would like to hold a stall at the fair, we are looking for wonderful eco-conscious producers to join the sale. Contact vco@span-arts.org.uk to enquire and be a part of this year’s Big Plant Sale. This year The Big Plant Sale will be held in Narberth CP School, offering more space to fill with the best of horticulture and hand-crafted items from across our local area.  As one of the first sales of the year in the area, The Big Plant sale is renowned for its wonderful balance of both specialist and everyday plants to fill your home and garden with. So, whether you are after windowsill succulents, seedlings for a bountiful veg patch or an exotic addition for your boarders, there will be something here for every grower.  Alongside plants, this year’s sale will also show

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Creative Curiosity

Creative Curiosity Celebrating a collection of creative voices from the rural communities of North Pembrokeshire This pioneering project by SPAN ARTS and its partners, Preseli Cares and PAVS (Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services), harnessed the power of creativity through artist-led workshops to address the inequalities experienced by the rural and Welsh speaking communities of North Pembrokeshire including Carers, Young people and those Over 50. Using the arts as a vehicle to support creative, community curiosity these workshops offered an accessible platform to share in what is missing in their lives and what changes need to be made. The Creative Curiosity project led by SPAN Arts was funded by the Arts Council of Wales, Arts Health, and Wellbeing fund. The project delivered in partnership with Hwyl Dda Health Board connected with the aims of Preseli Cares, a wider ‘Community-led care’ project delivered by Cwmpas, which worked to explore how communities can develop solutions to their own care and support needs. Creative Curiosity harnessed the power of the arts to spark community curiosity and inspired communities to co-produce solutions to social care issues at a community level through a programme of artist-led workshops developed and delivered by SPAN Arts. Collage, textiles and

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Natural Consequences – A love stories to Nature Commission

Natural Consequences – A Love Stories to Nature Commission UPCOMING:  An intriguing, new, multi- media performance piece; looking at our connections to the natural world and how we affect it.  Thursday 13 March. Rhosygilwen Oak Hall, SA43 2TW  FREE event. Booking required.Click BOOK to find out more. BOOK Natural Consequences is a commissioned project for SPAN’s Love Stories to Nature initiative. This project brings together four talented artists: a composer, a choreographer, a poet/writer, and a visual artist. These artists, all older women with deep connections to the land of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, have journeyed through extensive artistic endeavours. Their work is profoundly influenced by the natural environment they inhabit. The idea for Natural Consequences stems from a desire to explore how humans and artists influence one another, communicate, and sometimes miscommunicate. Our actions set off a chain of effects on our environment, the outcomes of which are often unknown, whether beneficial or detrimental. This project reflects the natural world’s interconnectedness with humanity, highlighting our often limited understanding of nature’s messages and the consequences of our actions. The project begins with a river, chosen for its environmental significance and symbolic representation of natural consequences. As Hermann Hesse said, “Water always

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Narberth A Cappella Festival 2025!

Narberth A Cappella Festival 2025 Narberth A Cappella Festival 2025 Our Narberth A Cappella 2025 Workshop, Singing Feast and Community Choir Concert tickets are now available to purchase! BOOK NOW SPAN Arts is delighted to announce the return of the Narberth A Cappella Festival for March 2025. This spectacular and unique festival returns to the town of Narberth for 2025, bringing wonderful A Cappella offerings to Pembrokeshire.  The Narberth A Cappella Festival, organized by SPAN Arts, is Wales’s premier a cappella voice celebration, attracting participants from across the UK. With over 25 years of history, Narberth A Cappella Festival 2025 will focus on community voices, featuring the much-loved Singing Feast and vocal workshops led by world-renowned practitioners. . The festival will commence with our welcoming Singing Feast, an evening where you can enjoy delicious food, excellent company and joyful singing on the Friday night. On the Saturday you can join our singing workshops which bring talented vocalists to teach vocal sessions in both the morning and afternoon. In the evening, we close our festival with a concert that showcases community a cappella choirs, with a line-up of UK wide and local choirs for you to enjoy. You will be able

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Robin Ince: The Universe and The Neurodiverse – An Evening of Stories, Poetry & Music

Robin Ince: The Universe and The Neurodiverse – An Evening of Stories, Poetry & Music  What if being “a bit weird” is actually completely normal? What if sharing our internal struggles is a sign of strength rather than weakness? Award-winning comedian, broadcaster, and author Robin Ince has spent over 30 years entertaining audiences on stage and radio, including the acclaimed The Infinite Monkey Cage on BBC Radio 4. But behind the laughter, Robin wrestled with self-doubt, anxiety, and the challenges of ADHD—challenges that he has transformed into creative fuel for his new show. Join us for The Universe and The Neurodiverse, an evening of heartfelt stories, poetry, and humor, where Robin explores mental health, creativity, and what it means to embrace our uniqueness. Adding to the magic is live music from singer-songwriter Rachel Taylor-Beales, whose soulful blend of Americana, alt-folk, blues, and jazz beautifully complements the evening’s themes. 📅 Date: Saturday 25th January 2025 ⏰ Time: 7:30 PM (Approx. 2 hours, including Q&A) 🎟 Tickets: £10 / £8.50 concessions Location: Scout Hut Narberth This is an event not to be missed—grab your tickets now and join us for a night that celebrates the beauty of being yourself.

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SPAN’s New Year’s Arty Party

Kickstart your 2025 and join SPAN at our New Year’s Arty Party for freelance creatives in West Wales. The Arty Party returns to give your creative career a New Year boost. Join SPAN Arts for its New Year’s Arty Party on the 15th of January, a networking event designed for freelancers in the creative arts community of West Wales. Join us for a relaxed evening where local artists, creatives, and freelancers can connect, share ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration. It is also a wonderful place to learn how you can get involved in SPAN Arts’ exciting projects in the year ahead and find out more about our other artist support events like The Green Room Sessions. Whether you are looking to expand your network, find new projects to collaborate on, or simply want to see what SPAN has in store for the upcoming year, this is the perfect chance to get involved. Join us for an exciting evening at SPAN’s New Year Arty Party from 5pm until 8pm on Wednesday the 15th of January and enjoy snacks, drinks and good company. It is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow creatives, share ideas for the year ahead, and learn

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Advent Concert with tenor Aled Wyn Davies and Ar Ol Tri

With special guests Ar Ôl Tri and Aled Wyn Davies, SPAN and Menter Iaith Sir Benfro invite you to a festive evening of carols and music. SPAN and Menter Iaith Sir Benfro present the return of the much  loved Advent Concert for 2024. With spectacular special guests Ar Ôl Tri and Aled Wyn Davies, join us for an evening of joy and merriment to mark the start of the festive period. Join on a crisp winters evening in Pisga Chapel for a beautiful night of music. Our lovely community choir Côr Pawb will be there to serenade you from 4:30 when doors open, before the concert starts at 5pm. The evening will be a Welsh Language event, but all are warmly welcome to attend and enjoy the festive atmosphere, carols, and music in this Welsh celebration of the winter season. Tickets are available to book now via the SPAN arts website with a full price ticket at £12 and concession at £10. We recommend booking in advance for this very popular event. Any remaining tickets will be available at the door on the night. For more information call 01834 869323, visit span-arts.org.uk or conact info@span-arts. Event Details Deadline for postal

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Call for Artists: Transform Shipping Containers with Prendergast Community School

Call for Artists: Transform Shipping Containers with Prendergast Community School SPAN Arts is seeking a talented artist with experience in large-scale painting projects to collaborate with pupils at Prendergast Community School, Haverfordwest. This exciting project will transform two shipping containers—used as a Bocs Bwyd and a Pre-loved Clothes Shop—into vibrant works of art, co-created with the pupils. Project Details Design Workshop: 1 day in January 2025 (in-school session) Outdoor Painting Days: 5 days in early March 2025 (with pupils) Planning & Preparation: 1 day Fee: £250/day (£1,750 total) plus travel expenses Materials: Separate budget provided What We’re Looking For An experienced artist who enjoys working collaboratively with young people, inspiring creativity, and bringing large-scale ideas to life. How to Apply Send the following to production@span-arts.org.uk by 5pm, Thursday 12th December: A cover letter (max 1 side of A4) outlining your relevant experience. Your CV. Images or links to examples of your work. Alternatively, you can submit a 5-minute audio or video recording with the same information. All applicants must have an up-to-date DBS check. We’ll acknowledge all applications, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact us at the above email address or call 01834 869323. Join us

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We’re Looking for an Arts Facilitator for February Half Term 2025!

We’re Looking for an Arts Facilitator for February Half Term 2025!  Are you a passionate arts facilitator with experience working with young people? We’re seeking someone to lead inspiring, creative workshops for Young Carers during February Half Term 2025. About the Workshops The aim is to create a safe, supportive space where young people aged 11–17 can relax, connect with others, and explore their creativity. These hands-on workshops will help build confidence, encourage self-expression, and foster new friendships. We are open to any art form—from visual arts to performance, music, or crafts. SPAN Arts has a wide range of materials available for facilitators to use. Key Details Workshop Dates: 24th – 28th February 2025 Times: 11am – 4pm Location: SPAN Arts, Towns Moor Road, Narberth Participants: Young Carers, aged 11–17 Fees and Submission Details Fee: £250 per workshop day (inclusive of travel and expenses) Facilitators may lead one or more full-day workshops during the week. Submission Deadline: 12th January 2025 If you thrive on creating engaging, fun environments for young people and want to make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you. To apply, please send your CV, a short cover letter detailing your experience, and examples of

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Dydd Gŵyl y Nadolig: A Celebration of Welsh Christmas Traditions

Step Back in Time at Dydd Gŵyl y Nadolig: A Celebration of Welsh Christmas Traditions Immerse yourself in the magic of traditional Welsh Festivities at Dydd Gŵyl Nadolig. Held on 21st December Located around The Town Moor in Narberth, this festive celebration invites you to experience the warmth, music, and customs of old Wales as we gather to rekindle the spirit of the season. Let the spirit of Dydd Gŵyl Nadolig envelop you as we celebrate the richness of Welsh culture, the joy of the holiday season, and the beauty of shared traditions. We look forward to welcoming you to an event where past and present come together to create something truly magical. WORKSHOPS: For those who enjoy hands-on activities, the day offers a range of creative workshop sessions. Join Hannah Darby in crafting natural wreaths using fragrant evergreens and winter berries, or get involved with Evangeline Morris and Samara van Rijswijk as they lead a workshop in making handprinted Christmas decorations. There will also be gingerbread man decorating and a treasure hunt for young adventurers, adding even more festive fun. Storytelling sessions will be woven into the day, sharing tales that capture the magic of Welsh folklore and holiday

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Deadline extended! Call Out: Chef/Cook/Catering Team

Deadline extended! Call Out: Chef/Cook/Catering Team for the Singing Feast at SPAN’s Narberth A cappella Festival 2025 Event: Singing Feast at Narberth A cappella Festival 2025Date: Friday, 7th March 2025Location: Narberth Scout Hut, Pembrokeshire Extended deadline: 31 December 2024 We have extended our deadline for this call out! This is your opportunity to apply to be a part of the Narberth A Capella Festival 2025. About the Role: SPAN Arts is seeking a talented chef, cook, or catering team to create and deliver a series of tasting plates for our Singing Feast, the opening event of Narberth A cappella Festival 2025. This unique 2-hour event will feature a blend of feasting and singing workshops, requiring a variety of tasting plates for 50 guests. The menu should include a minimum of four courses, with options for sharing plates and individual servings, while accommodating dietary requirements. Responsibilities: Design and prepare a series of tasting plates for 50 guests. Ensure dietary requirements are met. Coordinate the preparation and service of food, ideally preparing off-site and finalizing on-site. Utilize the kitchen facilities at Narberth Scout Hut, which includes ample worktop space but limited cooking equipment. Basic crockery and cutlery will be provided. About NAVF and

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SPAN’s next Green Room Session, The Art of Marketing, is the latest in a series of free Artists professional development support sessions.

After the positive response to the SPAN’s Arty Party events for creative Freelancers, we were delighted to launch the Green Room Sessions, a new series of workshops offering West Wales based creative freelancers access to professional development sessions. Continuing on from the success of The Art of Fundraising, the next session will be The Art of Marketing. The Green Room sessions are a series of artist focussed workshops run by the SPAN team looking at a range of professional skills that offer insight into a variety of areas from fundraising to promotion. Join us for the second session in the series, The Art of Marketing, lead by Samara Van Rijswijk and Evangeline Morris. Both working on the Marketing team at SPAN as well as being practicing Artists, they have extensive knowledge of the tools and tricks you can use to develop a professional and practical marketing style as a freelance creative and boost your visibility. Join them for this session to learn about the key aspects of self-promotion including website development, mail outs and social media, as well as information on free tools to help you make your story memorable. Join us on Monday the 11th November from 6pm until 8pm at

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