A new 50-seat lecture and screening room is among the facilities being planned for Swansea’s Glynn Vivian Art Gallery thanks to a multi-million pound upgrade.
Structural work on refurbishing the Alexandra Road attraction will start in early 2012 but the gallery will be closed from late this year to allow preparations to take place.
The £6 million upgrade is being funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the Arts Council of Wales. Swansea Council is also making a contribution.
Other features of the upgrade will include:
- Full disabled and improved general access to all contemporary and collection galleries.
- More space for the display of collections.
- A dedicated library and research room.
- A new social space, an extended shop and an IT resource space.
The upgrade follows a feasibility study and extensive public consultation.
The gallery will be closed for about two years while the project takes place.
Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: “It’s wonderful news that we’ve been able to secure this funding and we’re delighted to be working in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government and the Arts Council of Wales on such an exciting project.
“The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery is one of Swansea’s best attractions but it’s become clear in recent times that it needs upgrading.
“But this scheme will lead to one of the best art galleries of its kind that meets the needs of the 21st Century visitor and will be more than capable of attracting the very best exhibitions for viewing.”
The gallery building will be closed to the public throughout the works.
Some of the gallery’s artwork will be transferred elsewhere for storage but an off-site programme of exhibitions and activities is being planned for the closure period across the city to take art to the public.
Gallery staff are now busy working on a programme that could include artwork on temporary display in the city centre venues and artwork being broadcast on the BBC big screen in Castle Square.
Plans are also in place to ensure Glynn Vivian events and educational workshops will be available in other venues and archive materials on subjects like the history of the gallery’s artwork will continue to be accessible.
Cllr Thomas said: “It’s crucial that some artwork and other Glynn Vivian services continue to be available during the building’s temporary closure and gallery staff are pulling out all the stops to arrange an exciting programme that will take art to the city.
“This will allow us to raise the profile of the Glynn Vivian across Swansea and help build excitement towards the completion of what’s going to be a world class facility.”
Have a look at www.swansea.gov.uk/glynnvivian for more information about the gallery or call 01792 516900.
