A flagship craft centre for West Wales is extending a welcome to artists in need of a home.
A new regional hub for the industry has been developed in the heart of St Clears.
Brand new studios are available for let, giving artists a first-class base to indulge their creativity.
Workshops, incubator units, meeting rooms and activity space have been created at the £431,459 Carmarthenshire Centre for Crafts in Pentre Road.
A revitalised gallery, craft retail area and café selling local produce have been created, giving local artists and craft makers a platform to showcase their products.
Now an appeal has gone out for artists looking for a new home to get in touch.
Project bosses say the venue is perfect for anyone working in the arts, and because studios are available on short term lets, they can move in purely to work on specific commissions.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Principal Arts Officer Eleri Retallick said:
“This is a very exciting development, which complements a family of arts and crafts venues in west Carmarthenshire, including Dylan Thomas’ Boat House, Pendine Museum of Speed, the Hywel Dda Gardens, Glyn Coch Studios and the Oriel Myrddin and King Street galleries in Carmarthen.
“It is an ideal location for like-minded people to work together, rather than in isolation and share ideas.
“Short term lets are available and we are very keen to hear from anyone with an interest.”
The centre is also encouraging start ups in the creative industries – the fastest growing sector in the Welsh economy, and special rates are available for those looking to break into the industry.
Mrs Retallick added: “This is a perfect setting for start-ups and we are particularly keen to hear from students who will be graduating this year.”
The centre will play a key role in nurturing, celebrating and developing the culture of Carmarthenshire and the surrounding region.
Links are also being forged with schools to encourage more people to take up a career in the sector.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s West Wales European Centre secured a £345,167 Rural Development Plan grant for the scheme.
The council has funded the remainder of the project.
Workshops and taster courses will be staged at the centre, along with a programme of exhibitions, craft markets, talks and other activities, including events for children during school holidays.
Carmarthenshire’s Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: “The centre provides direct support to businesses in the creative and cultural sector and creates an environment that will encourage entrepreneurship.
“It also acts as a flagship for arts and culture in West Wales and will be a catalyst for further regeneration in this area.”
For further information on the centre contact Eleri Retallick on 07748 270439.
