Plans that aim to build on Swansea’s status as one of the leading culture and arts destinations in Wales are being unveiled this week.
A new strategy that aims to make the most of the home city of Dylan Thomas on the world stage is being seen by Swansea Council’s Cabinet on Thursday.
Its ambition is to develop Swansea’s culture and arts success stories to help create a Distinctive European Culture City by 2020.
The strategy wants to see Swansea promoted as Wales’ creative and cultural city, promoting the international reputation of Swansea’s arts initiatives, organisations and practitioners.
It also calls for Swansea to make more strategic use of the Dylan Thomas story, to host more national and European cultural celebrations, to embrace the redevelopment of Glynn Vivian Art Gallery and to create a cultural hub at the Guildhall.
Graham Thomas, Cabinet Member for Culture and Tourism, said the strategy is challenging, will take a number of years to deliver and that no single organisation could deliver it alone.
Cllr Thomas said: “The challenge now is to make the most of all this talent and opportunity and fashion it into a reputation which will enhance Swansea’s position on the European and world stage.”
Huw Tregelles Williams, Chairman of Swansea Festival of Music and the Arts, said: “The Arts Strategy is to be warmly welcomed; Swansea has a rich cultural history and we now have a road map for future ambitions.
“In particular I welcome the future strategic partnership between the City and its distinguished 60-year-old festival. We will work together to ensure that this event continues to offer access to excellence in the arts to as wide a community as possible.”
