Press Releases

Swansea's Waterfront: the hub for Locws International 2009

Swansea's National Waterfront Museum is delighted to be the official information hub showcasing top visual arts as part of Locws International: art across the city 2009.

The exhibition sees eight artists from Wales, UK and Europe create new temporary artworks that are a direct response to the people, culture, heritage and landscape of Swansea.

Installations on display in and around the Museum's grounds include work by Tanya Axford, Marko Maetamm and Calum Stirling. Tanya's artwork stems from her discovery of Swansea's rich maritime history and in particular the city's relationship to the powerful impact of the sea. Tanya uses a video installation, currently showing at Unit 1a, a unit off the Museum, which plays with this relationship, giving an illusion of the sea as a storm emerges.

Situated in the Museum's green, Marko Maetamm's project - Graveground, combines the colourful, chaotic character of Swansea with its reinvention as a city of leisure. The inspiration from Maetamm's project stems from his perception of the city undergoing a re-organisation and bringing new attractions and activities to the people of Swansea.

The Museum's courtyard garden will, for the next couple of weeks, be the home for Calum Stirling's installation. Working closely with Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales' ceramic collection, Stirling has investigated Swansea's famous Cambrian Pottery works and created a major installation based on pieces from the collection that were manufactured in Swansea.

"We're thrilled to be showcasing some of Locws' creative installations in and around the Museum," said Head of Museum, Steph Mastoris. "Being the information hub for the project will not only enable our visitors to see contemporary art first-hand, but discover the thought process which has enabled a project like this to come to life."

Other artists included in the project include Aisling O'Beirn, Megan Broadmeadow, Neville Gabie, Paul Granjon and Neeme Külm who have all responded to Swansea in very different ways, picking up on various historic and contemporary elements of the city. The artworks are all displayed in public spaces across the centre of the city and are free and open to all to view.

Speaking about the initiative, Project Manager, Grace Davies said: "All of the artists involved have been inspired by Swansea's past, present and future to create vibrant new artworks that respond, challenge and reflect aspects of the city. Locws International therefore not only presents a current snapshot of contemporary art practice, but also presents a unique reflection of the spirit of this city at this time."

In addition to the works of art, there is a programme of tours, talks and events that are open to all and free to attend. The next scheduled guided tour is Saturday 25 April 2009 at 2pm from the National Waterfront Museum.

Admission to Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales sites is free thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Amgueddfa Cymru operates seven national museums across Wales.  There are National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum, the National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, the National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, the National Slate Museum, Llanberis and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

Further guided tours from the National Waterfront Museum will take place on the following dates: Wednesday 29 April, 1pm Saturday 2 May, 2pm Wednesday 6 May, 1pm Saturday 9 May, 2pm