Art Central Gallery

10/04/2026

06/03/2026

Arddangosfa Agored Cymdeithas Celfyddydau Menywod Cymru - Dathlu Diwrnod Rhyngwladol y Menywod 2026 yn Oriel Gelf Ganolog

Dydd Sadwrn 7 Mawrth - Dydd Sadwrn 11 Ebrill 2026

Digwyddiad agoriadol: Dydd Sadwrn 7 Mawrth 2026, rhwng 1pm a 3pm

Sgwrs Artist Dianne Setch: Oriel Gelf Ganolog Dydd Sadwrn 28 Mawrth 2026, rhwng 2pm a 3pm

Mae Cymdeithas Celfyddydau Menywod Cymru (WAAW) yn dathlu Diwrnod Rhyngwladol y Menywod 2026 yn Oriel Gelf Ganolog, oriel gelf drawiadol Bro Morgannwg. Ymunwch â ni ar gyfer agoriad yr arddangosfa ddydd Sadwrn 7 Mawrth, rhwng 1pm a 3pm. Fel rhan o'r digwyddiad agoriadol, bydd yr artist cerddoriaeth a gweledol a'r gantores Amada Magrin yn perfformio rhai o'i chaneuon jazz a blues. Gwnaeth Maggie, fel y'i gelwir yn ei band Ms Maggie & The Cat's Pyjamas, ddychwelyd i'w gwreiddiau Cymreig ar ôl byw yn Awstralia am ddeng mlynedd ar hugain a chanu yng nghlwb jazz eiconig Melbourne, Dizzys, a gwyliau a lleoliadau mawr eraill. Yn enwog am ei dawn adrodd straeon teimladwy, mae ei chefndir mewn theatr gerddorol yn dod â dyfnder emosiynol a dilysrwydd i bob perfformiad.

Mae Cymdeithas Celfyddydau’r Menywod yn sefydliad gwirfoddol, bywiog, sydd wedi ymrwymo i fynd i'r afael ag ynysu ac allgáu a brofwyd gan fenywod sy'n gweithio yn y celfyddydau. Mae'r sefydliad wedi bod yn cynnal Diwrnod Rhyngwladol y Menywod ac yn dathlu a chefnogi menywod yn y celfyddydau trwy arddangosfeydd a digwyddiadau ers dros ddeugain mlynedd.
Mae'r arddangosfa agored yn cynnwys cyfuniad o waith celf gan artistiaid benywaidd o bob cwr o Gymru.

Mae'r arddangosfa yn gynhwysol ac yn galluogi menywod a'r rheini sy'n uniaethu fel menywod, sy'n ymarfer ffurf gelf yn broffesiynol neu'n dilyn hobi creadigol, i fod yn rhan o'r digwyddiad cyfunol hwn. Mae’r arddangosfa ar agor i bob ymwelydd, gydag amrywiaeth o weithiau celf yn cael eu harddangos gan gynnwys tecstilau, cyfrwng cymysg, gwaith cerfluniol, paentiadau olew, dyfrlliwiau, a gweithiau cyfoes haniaethol a llawer, llawer mwy.

Mae Cymdeithas Celfyddydau Menywod Cymru yn falch iawn o gyhoeddi y byddant hefyd yn cynnal y digwyddiad blynyddol Sgwrs Artist Dianne Setch, ddydd Sadwrn 28 Mawrth 2026 am 2pm, Oriel Gelf Ganolog. Siaradwr eleni yw Frances Woodley, Practice Through Collaboration.

Mae'r sgwrs wedi'i chyflwyno i Setch, gan ei bod yn un o aelodau sylfaenol y gymdeithas ac yn cael ei gwobrwyo am ei chyfraniadau fel artist ac aelod o'r pwyllgor. Mae Setch yn parhau i fod mewn cysylltiad â'r sefydliad ac yn mynychu'r sgyrsiau blynyddol.

Dywedodd y Cynghorydd Rhiannon Birch, yr Aelod Cabinet dros Addysg, y Celfyddydau a'r Gymraeg: "Mae Diwrnod Rhyngwladol y Menywod yn cael ei ddathlu'n flynyddol ar 8 Mawrth, ac mae thema fyd-eang eleni, Rhoi i Ennill, yn adlewyrchu pŵer rhannu cyfleoedd a chefnogi ein gilydd. Trwy ddod â menywod ynghyd i arddangos eu gwaith ochr yn ochr, maen nhw'n arddangos eu cyflawniadau creadigol ac yn cryfhau ymdeimlad o gymuned."

Mae'r arddangosfa'n ymdrechu i amlygu a dathlu cyflawniadau'r rheini sy'n cymryd rhan. Mae'r amrywiaeth o themâu a archwilir yn yr arddangosfa hon yn tynnu sylw at ddiddordebau a safbwyntiau amrywiol menywod yng Nghymru, gan fynd i'r afael â materion yn ymwneud â bywyd, cymdeithas, gwleidyddiaeth, a'r ffactorau niferus sy'n siapio profiadau menywod wrth hyrwyddo cydraddoldeb a dathlu'r digwyddiad byd-eang hwn.

Yn ogystal â'r arddangosfa hon, mae eraill yn cael eu cynnal ledled de Cymru, gan gynnwys Canolfan Gelfyddydau Neuadd Llanofer, Caerdydd, ac Amgueddfa Cwm Cynon, Aberdâr.

Dywedodd Emma Juliet Lawton, Cadeirydd Cymdeithas Celfyddydau’r Menywod: "Mae'n gyfle gwych, ac rydym yn anelu at annog cynifer o fenywod â phosib i gymryd rhan yn y digwyddiad blynyddol hwn. Mae'r arddangosfeydd yn cael eu trefnu gan wirfoddolwyr o'r grŵp mewn partneriaeth â'r orielau. Rydym yn gobeithio y byddwch chi'n ein cefnogi trwy ymweld â'r arddangosfa."

Edrychwn ymlaen at eich gweld yn Oriel Gelf Ganolog yn agoriad Cymdeithas Celfyddydau Menywod Cymru ddydd Sadwrn 7 Mawrth 2026, rhwng 1pm a 3pm. Mae croeso i bawb.

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Women’s Arts Association Wales Open Exhibition - Celebrating International Women’s Day 2026 at Art Central Gallery

Saturday 7 March – Saturday 11 April 2026

Opening event: Saturday 7 March 2026, 1pm to 3pm

Dianne Setch Artist Talk: Art Central Gallery Saturday 28 March 2026 2pm – 3pm

Women’s Arts Association Wales (WAAW) are celebrating International Women’s Day 2026 at Art Central, the Vale of Glamorgan’s impressive art gallery. Join us for the opening of the exhibition on Saturday 7 March, 1-3pm.

As part of the opening event, musician, singer and visual artist, Amada Magrin, will be performing some of her jazz and blues songs. Maggie, as she’s known in her band Ms Maggie & The Cat’s Pyjamas, returned to her Welsh roots after living in Australia for 30 years and singing in Melbourne’s iconic jazz club, Dizzy’s, and other major festivals and venues. Renowned for her soulful storytelling and her background in musical theatre, Maggie brings an emotional depth and authenticity to every performance.

The Women’s Arts Association is a vibrant voluntary organisation, committed to addressing isolation and exclusion experienced by women working in the arts. The organisation has been running International Women’s Day and celebrating and supporting women in the arts through exhibitions and events for over 40 years.
The open exhibition features a mix of artwork by women artists from across Wales.

The exhibition is inclusive and enables women, and those identifying as female, who are professionally practising an art form, or following a creative hobby, to be part of this collective event. Open to all visitors, with a variety of artworks on show including textiles, mixed media, sculptural works, oil paintings, watercolours, and abstract contemporary works and much, much more.

Women’s Arts Association Wales is delighted to announce that they will also be holding the annual Dianne Setch Artist Talk, on Saturday 28 March 2026 at 2pm, Art Central Gallery. This year’s speaker is Frances Woodley, with a talk called Practice Through Collaboration.

The talk is dedicated to Setch, as she is one of the founder members of the association and awarded for her contributions as an artist and committee member. Setch remains in contact with the organisation and attends the annual talks.

Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language said: “International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on 8 March, and this year’s global theme, Give to Gain, reflects the power of sharing opportunities and supporting one another. By bringing women together to exhibit their work side by side, they are showcasing their creative achievements and strengthening a sense of community.”

The exhibition endeavours to highlight and celebrate the achievements of those taking part. The variety of themes explored in this exhibition highlights the diverse interests and perspectives of women in Wales, addressing issues of life, society, politics, and the many factors that shape women’s experiences in promoting equality and celebrating this world event.

In addition to this exhibition there are others being held across South Wales including Llanover Hall Arts Centre, Cardiff, and Cynon Valley Museum, Aberdare.

Emma Juliet Lawton, Chair of Women’s Arts said: “It is a fantastic opportunity, and we aim to encourage as many women as a possible to take part in this annual event. The exhibitions are organised by volunteers from the group, in partnership with the galleries. We hope you will support us by visiting the exhibition.”

We look forward to seeing you at Art Central Gallery at the Women’s Arts Association Wales opening, on Saturday 7 March 2026, 1pm to 3pm. All are welcome.

17/01/2026

Immersive, sound, light, sculptural, art exhibtion by Richard Bowers at Art Central Gallery.

17/01/2026

Richard Bowers, Vanishing Point

Oriel Gelf Ganolog, y Barri - Arddangosfa Diwrnod Cofio'r Holocost, 2026

Dydd Sadwrn 17 Ionawr hyd at ddydd Sadwrn 28 Chwefror 2026

Mae cyngor Bro Morgannwg yn nodi Diwrnod Cofio'r Holocost (DCH) gyda digwyddiadau amrywiol. Cyfraniad yr Oriel Gelf Ganolog yw gosodiad celf – Vanishing Point - gan yr artist o Benarth, Richard Bowers.

Eleni, mae thema Ymddiriedolaeth Cofio’r Holocost, Pontio’r Cenedlaethau, yn ein hatgoffa o gyfrifoldeb cofio, yr hil-laddiadau a'r erchyllterau hanesyddol sydd wedi gadael eu hôl heddiw. I anrhydeddu, cofio a chario etifeddiaeth goroeswyr ymlaen, trwy straeon bywyd unigol, llyfrau, ffilmiau, a dehongliadau eraill. Trwy dynnu sylw at bŵer deialog rhwng cenedlaethau, gwrando ar y rhai ddaeth o'n blaen a rhannu straeon gyda'r rhai sy'n dilyn wedyn, rydym yn cadw'r cof a'i gysylltu â'r presennol.

Mae gosodiad celf cyfrwng cymysg Richard Bowers, Vanishing Point, yn yr Oriel Gelf Ganolog yn codi ymwybyddiaeth ymwelwyr o amrywiaeth o themâu perthnasol trwy gysylltu'r gorffennol, y presennol a'r dyfodol.

Mae'r artist yn cyfeirio at ddyfyniad enwog George Santayana o The Life of Reason: "Mae'r rhai nad ydynt yn gallu cofio'r gorffennol wedi’u condemnio i'w ailadrodd", gan roi golwg bragmatig o'n cyfrifoldeb i gofio a dysgu o drychinebau’r gorffennol.

Mae Bowers yn denu'r ymwelydd i mewn gyda panoramas cynfas unlliw maint byw rhyfeddol o adfeilion, traethlin sy'n ffurfio rhwystr sy'n sefyll yn uchel yn erbyn cerfluniau sy’n ein hatgoffa o rafftiau, yn mynd gyda’r llif. Maen nhw'n cynnwys neges am ddadleoli, colled, rhyddid a gobaith.

Mae'r effeithiau sain a gweledol o wyth monolith yn deillio o waith datblygiadol blaenorol a grëwyd gan Bowers. Mae sŵn murmur isel, fel pe bai o ffatri, gyda sŵn clychau ysbeidiol, yn creu effaith ofodol; ar ysbeidiau, mae alawon gwerin wedi’u trawsffurfio yn effeithio ar ein synhwyrau. Er ei fod yn hanesyddol amhenodol, mae'r gwaith yn creu ymdeimlad digamsyniol o anghyfannedd, gan ein hysgogi i feddwl am eraill, yn y gorffennol a'r presennol.

Dywed Bowers: "Mewn cyfeiriad gweledol at The Raft of the Medusa, gan Gericault, rwy’n ystyried y rafftiau i fod yn cynrychioli’r chwilio ar un llaw, ac alltudiaeth ar y llaw arall. Maen nhw’n croesi drosodd i'r lan ddienw; i'r byd a ddaw, neu fel ffoaduriaid gwleidyddol sy'n chwilio am hafan ddiogel”.

Fel artist amlgyfrwng, mae Richard Bowers yn integreiddio paentio, cerfluniau, sain a fideo. Mae cyfansoddi cerddorol yn nodwedd bwysig sy'n animeiddio elfennau sydd fel arall yn anadweithiol fel arall. Mae'n aml yn defnyddio rhaglennu cyfrifiadurol fel dull cyfansoddi, lle mae'r amgylchedd meddalwedd yn weithdy i ddatblygu, gwerthuso ac adfer deunyddiau cerddorol. Mae'r amgylchedd hwn hefyd yn rhoi rheolaeth iddo dros y ffordd y mae'r gwaith yn cael ei gyflwyno – mae prosesau algorithmig yn adfywio'r gwaith yn y fath fodd fel nad yw byth yn ailadrodd yr un fath. Mae gwaith Richard wedi ymddangos mewn nifer o leoliadau, gwyliau a digwyddiadau yng Nghymru a'r DU.

Mynegodd y Cynghorydd Rhiannon Birch, Aelod Cabinet dros Addysg, y Celfyddydau a'r Gymraeg, ei bod yn falch bod artist lleol, Richard Bowers, yn arddangos yn arddangosfa’r Holocost eleni, gan ddweud: "Mae'n bwysig ein bod yn parhau i nodi'r dyddiad hwn, gyda'r nod o godi ymwybyddiaeth o'r gwersi a ddysgwyd o'r gorffennol, yn enwedig wrth i ni gydnabod a deall effaith aflonyddwch ar fywydau heddiw. Rydym yn gobeithio y gallwn helpu i wneud gwahaniaeth, i hysbysu a goleuo pobl, i wneud newidiadau bach yn ein byd bob dydd yn anad dim."

Dyma'r arddangosfa gyntaf ar gyfer 2026, sy'n nodi dechrau 20 Mlwyddiant yr Oriel Gelf Ganolog. Mae'r arddangosfa'n agor ddydd Sadwrn 17 Ionawr gyda chroeso i ymwelwyr tan ddydd Sadwrn 28 Chwefror 2026. Am fwy o wybodaeth, ewch i www.bromorgannwg.gov.uk/celfganolog

Ymddiriedolaeth Diwrnod Cofio'r Holocost | Pontio Cenedlaethau: Thema ar gyfer 2026
HMD-2026-Theme-Vision-Welsh.pdf / HMD-2026-Bridging-Generations.pdf

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Richard Bowers, Vanishing Point

Art Central Gallery, Barr - Holocaust Memorial Day Exhibition, 2026

Saturday 17 January until Saturday 28 February 2026

The Vale of Glamorgan Council is marking Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) with various events. Art Central Gallery’s contribution is an art installation – Vanishing Point – by Penarth-based artist, Richard Bowers.

This year, the Holocaust Memorial Trust’s theme, Bridging Generations, reminds us of the responsibility of remembrance, the historic genocides and atrocities that have left their mark today. To honour, remember and carry forward survivors’ legacies, through individual life stories, books, films, and other interpretations. By highlighting the power of intergenerational dialogue, listening to those who came before us and sharing stories with those who follow afterwards, we preserve memory and connect it to the present.

Richard Bowers' mixed media art installation, Vanishing Point, at Art Central Gallery raises visitors’ awareness of a range of relevant themes by connecting the past, present, and future.

The artist refers to George Santayana's famous quote from The Life of Reason: "Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it", providing a pragmatic view of our responsibility to remember and learn from past catastrophes.

Bowers draws the visitor in with extraordinary life-size monochrome canvas panoramas of ruins, a shoreline forming a barricade that stands tall against contemporary sculptural works reminiscent of rafts, drifting. They carry a message of displacement, loss, freedom, and hope.

The sound and visual effects from eight monoliths are derived from previous developmental works created by Bowers. The sound of a low hum, as if from a factory, punctuated with the sound of bells, creates a spatial effect; at intervals, transfigured folk-like melodies impact on our senses. While being historically non-specific, the work creates an unmistakable sense of desolation, prompting us into thinking of others, past and present.

Bowers says: “In a visual reference to Gericault's The Raft of the Medusa, I regard the rafts as representative of a search on the one hand, and exile on the other. They are crossing over to the unnamed shore; to the afterlife, or as political refugees seeking a safe haven.”

As a multi-media artist, Richard Bowers integrates painting, sculpture, sound, and video. Musical composition is an important feature that animates otherwise inert elements. He often uses computer programming as the means of composition, where the software environment is a workshop in which to develop, evaluate, and render musical materials. This environment also affords him control over the way the work is presented – algorithmic processes serve to regenerate the work in such a way that it never repeats identically. Richard's works have appeared in numerous venues, festivals and events in Wales and the UK.

Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Cabinet Member for Education Arts and Welsh Language, expressed her delight that a locally-based artist, Richard Bowers, was exhibiting at this year’s Holocaust exhibition, stating: "It is important that we continue to mark this date, aiming to raise awareness of lessons learnt from the past, particularly as we, recognise and understand the impact of unrest on lives today. We hope that we can help to make a difference, to inform and enlighten people, if only to make small changes in the/our world every day."

This is the first exhibition for 2026, marking the beginning of the 20th Anniversary year for Art Central Gallery. The exhibition opens on Saturday 17 January with visitors welcome until Saturday 28 February 2026. For more information, please visit www.valeofglamorgancouncil/artcentral

Holocaust Memorial Day Trust | Bridging Generations: Theme for 2026
HMD-2026-Theme-Vision-Welsh.pdf / HMD-2026-Bridging-Generations.pdf

25/11/2025

Oriel Gelf Ganolog

Newid Persbectif - Gall Bywyd fod yn Wahanol – Arddangosfa Ffotograffiaeth Goroeswyr

Dydd Llun 17 Tachwedd 2025 – Dydd Sadwrn 10 Ionawr 2026

Mae’r Oriel Gelf Ganolog, oriel gelf fawreddog Bro Morgannwg yn cynnal arddangosfa arbennig iawn Newid Persbectif - Gall Bywyd fod yn Wahanol o ddydd Llun 17 Tachwedd 2025 – dydd Sadwrn 10 Ionawr 2026. Mae hon yn arddangosfa ffotograffiaeth bwerus gan fenywod sy'n goroesi cam-drin domestig, gyda chymorth Gwasanaethau Cam-drin Domestig y Fro.

Dros y misoedd diwethaf, mae wyth menyw o Rwydwaith Goroeswyr Gwasanaethau Cam-drin Domestig y Fro wedi cymryd rhan mewn cwrs ffotograffiaeth grymuso, dan arweiniad y ffotograffydd proffesiynol Steffi Andrews. Mae Andrews, gan arwain o'i phrofiadau ei hun, ynghyd â thîm staff Gwasanaethau Cam-drin Domestig y Fro, wedi gallu cefnogi ac arwain y cyfranogwyr i fynegi eu hemosiynau drwy gyfrwng ffotograffiaeth, gan eu galluogi i gynhyrchu'r delweddau trawiadol hyn.

Mae'r menywod wedi dewis cipio, yn eu ffordd eu hunain ac ar eu telerau eu hunain, eu profiadau o gam-drin, ynghyd â’r foment y gwnaethant sylweddoli y gallai bywyd fod yn wahanol. Mae pob ffotograff yn adrodd stori am adferiad, gwytnwch a gobaith. I rai, roedd yn lle, i eraill, yn wrthrych, lliw, neu deimlad. Mae pob delwedd yn dyst i'w cryfder, eu creadigrwydd a'u dewrder.

I lawer o'r cyfranogwyr, hwn oedd y tro cyntaf iddynt ddal camera proffesiynol. Mae'r canlyniad i bob cyfranogwr yn ddim llai na rhyfeddol, gan fyfyrio ar eu hamgylchiadau i gynhyrchu delweddau ffotograffig pwerus. Y gobaith yw y bydd yr arddangosfa yn helpu eraill mewn amgylchiadau tebyg.

Dywedodd y Cynghorydd Rhiannon Birch, Aelod Cabinet dros Addysg, y Celfyddydau a'r Gymraeg: "Fel Cyngor rydym yn falch iawn o allu cefnogi Tîm Cam-drin Domestig y Fro a'r menywod sydd wedi cynhyrchu ffotograffau mor sensitif, trawiadol a phwerus o'u straeon ar gyfer yr arddangosfa hon. Mae pob un wedi portreadu'r trawma emosiynol, meddyliol a chorfforol maen nhw wedi'u dioddef a'u goroesi, ac rydyn ni’n gobeithio y bydd yn annog dioddefwyr eraill i geisio cymorth a chefnogaeth. Rydyn ni’n llongyfarch yr holl gyfranogwyr am eu dewrder i gamu ymlaen a gwneud pobl eraill yn ymwybodol y gall bywyd newid."

Dywedodd Vicky Friis, Prif Weithredwr Gwasanaethau Cam-drin Domestig y Fro: "Mae darparu cyfleoedd creadigol, cymdeithasol a dysgu fel hyn yn rhan hanfodol o'n rhaglen ôl-ofal Rhwydwaith Goroeswyr. Nid yw adferiad yn gorffen gyda diogelwch; mae'n parhau trwy gysylltiad, mynegiant a grymuso. Trwy greu mannau sy’n cael eu harwain gan oroeswyr, lle gall menywod ailadeiladu hyder, dysgu sgiliau newydd, ac ailddarganfod eu lleisiau, rydym yn eu helpu i ddechrau'r broses o symud o oroesi i fyw eto.
"Rwy'n hynod falch o'r menywod a gymerodd ran yn y prosiect hwn; am eu dewrder, eu creadigrwydd a'u gonestrwydd wrth adrodd eu straeon. Trwy'r delweddau pwerus hyn, maent nid yn unig yn mynegi eu teithiau eu hunain ond yn estyn allan at eraill sy'n dal i deimlo'n rhy ddryslyd, ynysig neu ofnus i godi llais. Fy ngobaith yw y bydd rhywun yn gweld yr arddangosfa hon, yn cydnabod rhan o'u stori eu hunain, ac yn dod o hyd i'r nerth i estyn allan am gefnogaeth."
Er mwyn codi ymwybyddiaeth, mae'r arddangosfa yn ymgorffori Diwrnod y Rhuban Gwyn a gynhelir yn flynyddol ar 25 Tachwedd gan helpu i gydnabod graddfa ac effaith trais dynion a chynnig cyfle i gymunedau sefyll gyda'i gilydd yn erbyn pob math o drais a cham-drin.

Y thema yw 'Rydyn ni’n Codi Ein Llais' eleni ac mae'r arddangosfa yn codi llais yn wirioneddol, gan godi ymwybyddiaeth o drais ar sail rhywedd yn erbyn menywod a merched o bob oedran. Gall ymddygiad heriol arwain at drais, gorfodi, trin a mwy, trwy wisgo rhuban gwyn, gall pob un ohonom godi ymwybyddiaeth a chefnogi'r angen i atal creulondeb meddyliol, corfforol ac ariannol yn erbyn menywod.

Mae’r arddangosfa yn ymwneud â mwy na ffotograffiaeth yn unig; mae'n ymwneud ag asiantaeth. Mae'n ymwneud â goroeswyr sydd â'r offer, y gofod, a'r llais i ddiffinio eu straeon eu hunain. Am y tro cyntaf, bydd eu gwaith yn cael ei arddangos yn gyhoeddus, gan roi cyfle i'r gymuned weld eu taith o adferiad, a dathlu eu cyflawniadau.

Ewch i’r Oriel Gelf Ganolog i gefnogi eu creadigrwydd a rhannu eu neges o obaith. Gyda'n gilydd, gallwn gefnogi goroeswyr, newid persbectif, a dangos y gall bywyd fod yn wahanol.

Os ydych chi'n cael eich hun mewn sefyllfa lle rydych chi'n meddwl eich bod yn ddioddefwr trais domestig corfforol, meddyliol, ariannol neu gam-drin arall, cysylltwch â Gwasanaethau Cam-drin Domestig y Fro ar 01446 744755 neu e-bostiwch [email protected] Dydd Llun-Gwener 9.30am-5.30pm.

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Art Central Gallery

Shifting Perspectives - Life Can Be Different – Survivor Photography Exhibition

Monday 17 November 2025 – Saturday 10 January 2026

Art Central Gallery, the Vale of Glamorgan’s prestigious art gallery is hosting a very special exhibition Shifting Perspectives - Life Can be Different from Monday 17 November 2025 – Saturday 10 January 2026.This is a powerful photography exhibition by female survivors of domestic abuse, supported by the Vale Domestic Abuse Services (Vale DAS).

Over the past few months, eight women from the Vale DAS Survivor Network have taken part in an empowering photography course, led by professional photographer Steffi Andrews. Andrews, leading from her own experiences, together with the Vale DAS staff team, have been able to support and guide the participants in expressing their emotions through the medium of photography, enabling them to produce these striking images.

The women have chosen to capture, in their own way and on their own terms, their experiences of abuse, alongside the moment they realised that life could be different. Each photograph tells a story of recovery, resilience, and hope. For some, it was a place, for others, an object, colour, or a feeling. Each image is a testament to their strength, creativity, and courage.

For many of the participants, this was the first time they had held a professional camera. The outcome for each participant is nothing short of remarkable, reflecting on their circumstances to produce powerful photographic images. It is hoped the exhibition will help others in similar circumstances.

Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and Welsh Culture said: “As a Council we are delighted to be able to support the Vale Domestic Abuse Team and the women who have for this exhibition, produced such sensitive, striking and powerful photographs of their stories. Each have portrayed the emotional, mental, and physical traumas they have endured and survived, which we hope will encourage other victims to seek out help and support. We congratulate all the participants for having the courage to step forward and make others aware that life can change.”

Vicky Friis, Chief Executive of Vale Domestic Abuse Services, said: “Providing creative, social, and learning opportunities like this is a vital part of our Survivor Network aftercare programme. Recovery doesn’t end with safety; it continues through connection, expression, and empowerment. By creating survivor-led spaces where women can rebuild confidence, learn new skills, and rediscover their voices, we help them begin the process of moving from surviving to truly living again.
“I am incredibly proud of the women who took part in this project; for their courage, creativity, and honesty in telling their stories. Through these powerful images, they are not only expressing their own journeys but reaching out to others who may still feel too confused, isolated, or frightened to speak out. My hope is that someone will see this exhibition, recognise a part of their own story, and find the strength to reach for support.”
To raise awareness, the exhibition incorporates White Ribbon Day held annually on the 25th of November helping to recognise the scale and impact of male violence and offering an opportunity for communities to stand together against all forms of violence and abuse.

This year the theme is ‘We Speak Up.’ The exhibition is truly speaking up and out, raising awareness of gender-based violence against women and girls of all ages. Challenging behaviours can lead to violence, coercion, manipulation and more, by wearing a white ribbon, we can all raise awareness and support the need to stop mental, physical, and financial cruelty against women.

This exhibition is not just about photography; it is about agency. It is about survivors having the tools, the space, and the voice to define their own stories. For the first time, their work will be exhibited publicly, giving the community a chance to witness their journey of recovery and celebrate their achievements.

Visit Art Central Gallery to support their creativity and share in their message of hope. Together. we can support survivors, shift perspectives, and show that life can be different.

If you find yourself in a situation where you think you are a victim of domestic violence physical, mental, financial, or other abuse please contact the Vale Domestic Abuse Services on 01446 744755 or email [email protected] Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm.

08/11/2025

Brendan Stuart Burns (b.1963) is a leading Welsh painter who draws inspiration from the natural world of his native country and beyond. Providing, for the first time, an overview of the artist's career to date, this important publication traces his work's evolution towards full artistic maturity. Ad...

24/10/2025

Gweithdy Bywyd Llonydd – Darlunio Pwmpenni

Pop Up Pumkin! Still-Life Drawing Workshop

Darganfyddwch sgiliau darlunio hudolus, gan ddefnyddio deunyddiau celf traddodiadol. I blant 7-17 oed.

Dydd Mawrth 28 Hydref 11am - 12:30pm a 2pm - 3:30pm

Dydd Iau 30 Hydref 11am - 12:30pm and 2pm – 3:30pm

Galw Hebio Am Ddim

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Pop Up Pumkin! Still-Life Drawing Workshop

Discover magical drawing skills, using traditional art materials. For ages 7-17years.

Tuesday 28 October 11am - 12:30pm and 2pm – 3:30pm

Thursday 30 October 11am - 12:30pm and 2pm – 3:30pm

FREE Drop In

20/09/2025

Wedi creu y darlun am y poster yma am ein penwythnos stiwdio agored. Stiwdio y Bwthyn, 11-12 Hydref. Lwcus i rhannu stiwdio efo cymysgedd o artistiaid arall. Dewch i weld lle yr ydym yn gweithio…

Lucky to have a space in this shared artist studio’s very close to my home , sharing with animators, illustrators, printmakers, photographers and a sculptor. . Created the drawing for this poster, which Inga Monika designed to advertise our open studio. 11-12 October at the White house behind West House, Stanwell Rd, Penarth. 10-4. Come and see where we work and have a chat.