Carmarthenshire County Council has unveiled Llanelli-based portrait photographer Terry Morris as its new arts ambassador.
Terry, who is best known for his celebrity portraiture collections, will work with the council in a voluntary capacity to enhance and develop arts based projects across Carmarthenshire.
As well as acting as a link between arts and crafts groups, individuals, and the local authority, Terry will use his connections to promote art and culture with the aim of establishing Carmarthenshire as a pioneer of art development.
He will also act as a representative of the arts community, and will ensure artist’s voices are heard throughout the shaping cultural developments within the county.
Council leader, Cllr Meryl Gravell, was behind the move to bring Terry on board, and recognises the value an ambassadorial role will bring to the county.
“Carmarthenshire is a cultural county, with diverse art venues and highly talented artists,” she said. “We want to celebrate that, and by bringing an arts ambassador on board to work voluntarily alongside our art development staff, we are able to forge an exciting link with the county’s artists.
“I believe we are the first Welsh council to bring an arts ambassador on board, which demonstrates our commitment to nurturing and developing art and culture.
“We have many exciting projects in the pipeline, one of our most high profile being the cultural quarter at Llanelli’s Eastern Gateway.
“We feel it is important to take the view of local artists on board in the development of such projects, and I’m sure having Terry on board will allow us a great advantage in this respect.”
Terry, who was recently judged as one of the world’s best portrait photographers by a prestigious US publisher, is looking forward to getting the role off the ground.
“We are all aware that times are tough, and with efficiency savings being made across the board it is inevitable that the arts will be affected in some way,” he said.
“My argument is that when people are facing tough times at work, and coming home to doom and gloom on the news, that art and culture provides them with an escape – we all need to relax and enjoy, and whether it’s visual arts or performing arts, we need to ensure that we value and develop that talent.”
He added: “I’m looking forward to representing Carmarthenshire artists, and making sure that our views are taken in to account when it matters the most, as well as supporting the council in its vision to develop the county’s cultural assets.
“I don’t pretend to be the most knowledgeable person when it comes to the arts, but I know from my own experience how tough it can be to make a living as an artist. I’m now in a fortunate position where I am helping to develop art on a national level, and I want to concentrate some of my efforts in my home county.”
