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This multidisciplinary exhibition has been co-curated with Amgueddfa Cymru Producers and artist, Henry Alles, and explore the past as a means of discovering the future.

The Amgueddfa Cymru Producers, which give young people a voice in various aspects of the organisation’s work, have played a key role in the exhibition development, co-facilitating creative workshop sessions, and developing engagement activities.

To explore the future, the Amgueddfa Cymru Producers and Henry Alles have first looked to the past and delved into the national collections of Wales.  Showcasing 59 iconic objects from the national collection including a protest banner from Greenham Common, Dr William Price’s iconic fox hat, a giant piece of coal, and even a lion’s pelt, The Future Has a Past asks us to consider the past as a means of discovering our futures. The exhibition considers contemporary themes such as the environment, gender identity, diversity and lived experiences. 

Youth-led projects across Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales are part of the Hands on Heritage initiative, made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Kick the Dust Grant. This exhibition has been made possible with the kind support of Mathew and Lucy Prichard.

The exhibition was co-created by artist Henry Alles and Amgueddfa Cymru Producers, young creatives and youth co-ordinators; Abike Ogunlokun, Eadyth Crawford, Elliot Cooper, Jake A Griffiths, Juliette Georges, Marged Elen Wiliam, Mohamed Hassan, Radha Patel, Rhianydd Whitcombe, Sarah Younan, Talulah Angharad Thomas, Umulkhayr Mohamed, and Valentine Gigandet.

Amgueddfa Cymru Producer, Jake A Griffiths said:

“Co-curating The Future Has a Past has been an amazing experience. We have had the opportunity to work with a professional artist, Museum curators and other young creatives to develop the exhibition. The exhibition is a culmination of the young people’s vision of a possible future.”

Nia Williams, Director of Learning and Public Programmes, Amgueddfa Cymru said:

“I am delighted to see this exhibition open at St Fagans. We have continued to engage with young people throughout the pandemic and this exhibition is the result of the work of Amgueddfa Cymru Producers with artist Henry Alles for the past year. It’s been uplifting to see their creative response.

We want to ensure that youth engagement is at the heart of everything we do and we are grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their support with the Kick the Dust campaign which ensures we can continue to widen engagement with young people in Wales.”

The Future Has a Past opens 9 June 2021 and will close on 21 January 2022. Entry is free.

Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales is a family of seven museums and a collections centre, which are all free to enter thanks to the support of the Welsh Government. Together, it is home to the nation’s art, history, heritage and science collections, which will continue to grow so that they can be used and enjoyed by both present and future generations.

St Fagans National Museum of History which explores the history and culture of Wales, won the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2019.

As a registered charity, Amgueddfa Cymru is grateful for all support. The events and exhibitions programme is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.  

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