Most of the following projects have been carried out in a synergic system of different locations. For the space analysis within the EU best practices research we focused on one of these spots. You can find the specific information in their dedicated PDF at the end of each project description.
To explore all the project's aspects and locations, download the complete publication in PDF here.
Bethesda
Name of the project: Ynni Ogwen Community Hydro Scheme
Name of the project in local language: Ynni Ogwen Community Hydro Scheme
Time period: In 2016
Keywords: Culture, Education, Sustainability, Health
The Ynni Ogwen community hydro scheme project that this case study focuses on takes place around the Ogwen riverbed, which is located in the same valley as Bethesda. Beyond providing electricity, it aims to create economic, environmental and social benefits with a focus on transferring community assets, buying new assets to create income and projects that make their community stronger, more sustainable and resilient.
Denbighshire
Name of the project: Pentredwr Hub
Name of the project in local language: Hwb Pentredwr
Time period: Since 2018
Keywords: Culture, Education, Sustainability
This project takes place through workshops, predominantly in the two renovated indoor spaces: the wool museum in Llangollen and the community centre of Pentredwer. Activities’ aim is to tackle the increasing levels of social and digital isolation in this remote place but also the community cohesion and the lack of a common public place. The project seeks to secure community prosperity by developing rural skills and enterprise.
Gwalchmai, Penrhyndeudraeth, Fron, Bethesda, Llangoed, Porthaethwy and Nant Peris
Name of the project: Utopias Bach
Name of the project in local language: Utopias Bach
Time period: Since 2020
Keywords: Culture, Education, Health, Sustainability
Utopias Bach involves experiments where artists and diverse communities work together to re-imagine the world on a small scale through interconnected, supportive, creative hubs in North Wales and beyond. The project gives people freedom not to have to think about the real world, and take a playful look at problems without consequence, to radically imagine. The activities have taken place in 7 geographic locations including community open air spaces, shop windows, and public indoor and outdoor spaces. Others have taken place online due to Covid.
Llandudno
Name of the project: The Wall Is___
Name of the project in local language: Mae’r Wal Yn___
Time period: From 2019 to 2021
Keywords: Culture, Education
The Wall Is__ was a two-year programme of activities on Tre Cwm housing estate in Llandudno, North Wales, resulting in an artwork for the main boundary wall of the estate. This project tried to answer questions all related to these physical and perhaps societal barriers created by the wall. The overall hypothesis was: ‘Does transforming an existing physical barrier through art and design-led engagement processes affect societal barriers to access/ participation?’
Ystrad Mynach
Name of the project: Cosmic Colliery
Name of the project in local language: Glofa’r Gofod
Time period: In 2015
Keywords: Culture, Education, Science
The Cosmic Colliery project is located in the Penallta Colliery which closed in 1992 becoming abandoned like many coal mines across Wales. The aim of the creative work was to use the mine once more to bring the community together, by imagining it as an astronaut training camp. To alter the perception that young people held for both themselves and their own futures, encouraging them to “think big” by imagining different possibilities for the area and how they are perceived.