Cwlt Celf

Community & Communication Notice

Where to find us: We know the group chat can move fast and get beautifully chaotic! To complement the social fun of our main chat and the deeper structure of our Slack, this website is our new experiment to keep things functional. Think of it as a living noticeboard... a quick, accessible space to keep track of current projects, deadlines, and gallery updates. Please share and let's see what sticks!

Current Projects / Proposals

Cardiff Map 

A collaborative community art piece mapping the districts of Cardiff.

• The Concept: Individual Cwltists are given physical cut-out sections of the city map to create work with. Each person can do what they want within the confines of that template, eg writing, painting, papier-mache, plaster relief, photography etc. Just keep to the template to ensure each piece of the city can be assembled together into a map. To maintain a cohesive look across the final piece, the collective is adhering to a black and white colour palette.

• Finalising the Work: Once collected, all the individual districts will be assembled and mounted onto an A1 board.

• Key Dates: The final deadline for map sections is June 2nd, 2026 (to allow time for mounting). To be entered into Llanover Hall's open exhibition

• Next Steps: The template is made - contact Lee for a district. Members are encouraged to reach out to local creatives living in any unassigned districts to invite them to participate. Click here ist of districts.

Lovespoon

Proposed by Millie, this project explores traditional craft with a collaborative, modern twist.

• The Concept: Cwltists can contribute an individual section of a larger lovespoon structure.

• The Build: We are currently investigating creative ways to structurally join the independent sections together (such as using interconnected chain links).

• Next Steps: If you have any technical expertise, fabrication ideas, or structural support suggestions for linking the pieces, please reach out!  Cwltists, please think about what your section of the lovespoon would be like.  Feel free to invite people you know to participate
  
  

Zine (Issue #2)

Originally proposed by Megan, our first zine was a unique one-off piece exhibited at Spit and Sawdust. Our next zine project is underway, and we are opening up submissions to everyone.

• The Theme: Our inaugural issue will focus on the theme of "Belief".

• Submission Guidelines: We welcome art, photography, text, and multimedia contributions. You can work at any scale you like (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) but your work will be scaled down to a standard A5 size. Unlike our previous zine, there is no page limit per person for this issue.

• Next Steps: Aiming to have all content ready by August 1st, 2026, for a summer launch.

"Belief" Exhibition 

Proposed by Jo, this upcoming interactive exhibition will center around the theme of "Belief" and will launch alongside our new Zine.

• The Concept: Moving away from a traditional gallery setup, this exhibition aims to be an immersive experience with artworks spread organically throughout the Spit & Sawdust garden. Rather than modular assemblages (like the map, zine or lovespoon) this will feature works by individual Cwltists (though within the Cwlt, collaborations can take place).

• Featured Work: The event will look to tie together objects, sculptures, 2D work, multimedia and installations (such as Millie’s interactive toilet-booth confessional concept).

• The Strategy: By staging the exhibition during an existing, high-traffic Spit & Sawdust event, the collective will engage with a lively "captive audience." A formal proposal is currently being drafted.

• Next Steps: Lee to write a proposal and pitch to Spit and Sawdust. Cwltists to think about what they want to show.

🏰 Margam Castle: Restoration Charity Auction

Cwlt has been invited for an exclusive private tour of Margam Castle and a viewing of a photography exhibition documenting lost and destroyed paintings.

• The Project: In response, we are proposing a collaborative charity exhibition. Members will individually create original artworks inspired by these destroyed historical paintings.

• The Goal: The final works will be put up for a charity auction at the castle to help raise funds for the historical site's ongoing restoration. This project will also serve as a fantastic opportunity for Cwlt to connect and collaborate with artists across the Port Talbot and Swansea areas.

Summer Open Shows

g39 and Cardiff M.A.D.E. have community-focused exhibition opportunities coming up over the summer. Members are highly encouraged to submit their own personal, independent artwork to these local open shows, and to provide ideas for group Cwlt artworks. More info to come.