Friday, February 6, 2015 Follow us on Twitter @Argus_The Guide


Offenders’ art to be put on display


AN INSPIRING collection of artwork, music and creative writing by offenders is to go on display at Wales Millen- nium Centre. Curated by women from Gibran UK – an organisa- tion supporting ex-offenders across Wales – the “Illumi- nation” exhibition will pre- sent pieces selected from the entries to the 2014 Koestler Awards.


“Illumination,” which will


be prison arts charity the Koestler Trust’s only exhi- bition of work solely from Welsh institutions this year, will present artwork and cre- ative writing by prisoners, people in secure hospitals and people on community sentences. Supported by Gibran UK, a


CREATIVE: An example from Illumination


group of female ex-offenders volunteered to curate the ex- hibition and create textile artworks in response to some of the written works. Returning to Wales Millen- nium Centre for the second time with an exhibition, the Koestler Trust is a charitable scheme that has been reward- ing artistic achievement in the criminal justice sector for over 50 years.


In The Spotlight


SCENE : The Red Lion (or sub- stitute any other local pub) Time:


Friday evening


Having exhausted a range of topics such as the rise of Ukip, how Wales will win the Six Nations, and the likelihood of snow, Fred and Stan turn their conversation towards the arts and the burning issue of the Artes Mundi prize (now one of the greatest prizes in contempo- rary art, heralded by some as the ‘new Turner prize’ and at- tracting inalists from all over the world), recently awarded in Cardiff.


STAN (leaning on the bar supping on his pint ) : It was on the news last night. Looked like a stuffed chil- dren’s toy animal, and a rub- bish one at that, with a muz- zle and a sort of railtrack going round it. And that was the winner. I heard it won 40 grand.


FRED ( placing his empty pint glass down ready for a refill): I saw that too – looked like some of my grandson’s old toys that I threw in the skip the other day. Modern art they call it. Modern rubbish more like it. Reminded me of that Tra- cy Emin and her unmade bed, remember that. They can come round my house any morning and see that.


STAN: And they call it art.


(They are joined by an- other pub regular – Frank)


FRED: That shark by Damian Hurst – what’s that about?


STAN (shaking his head with resignation): And they call it art. (abrief hiatuswhiletheyboth


I just don’t know how they get away with it.


stare sagely into their pints)


FRANK (tentatively -– a lit- tle nervous of interrupt- ing Fred and Stan’s indepth and considered artistic analysis): You talking about the Artes Mundi prize? Amaz- ing wasn’t it. And so thought- provoking. Wonderful isn’t it how all those different types of art covered so many differ- ent and universal themes. In- stallations, photos, film, paint- ings. Wow! I found some of it deeply moving. And all of that quality on show just down the road in Cardiff ten artists – Wales as the focal point of the artistic world. We’re so lucky.


STAN: Did you see the win- ner on the box – incredible?


FRANK (enthusiastically, impervious to Stan’s scep- tical tone): Yes, absolutely incredible. By Theaster Gates from Chicago. His work seeks to challenge a Western-centric


On Show The aims of the Koestler


Awards include providing a positive goal towards which offenders can strive, a means of acquiring and practising new skills, and often discov- ering unrecognised talent and an outlet for creative en- ergies and emotions. Graeme Farrow, artistic di- rector at Wales Millennium Centre commented: “The Koestler Trust is a wonderful charity, harnessing the power of the arts to inspire, engage and help rehabilitate offend- ers.


“I’m extremely pleased the


Wales Millennium Centre will be showcasing the hard work and talent of Welsh of- fenders and playing a part in celebrating their achieve- ments through the ‘Illumina- tion’ exhibition.” One of the exhibited artists


from HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Parc has said: “Iwould like to thank all the people that support and visit the exhibition. “This is something I never thought would exist before coming to prison, and has


By


GERAINT DAVIES


Contemporary art prize not to everyone’s taste


ideology of Christianity that marginalises other religions and uses a range of symbolic objects that have been used as vehicles for religious tran- scendence across the globe. (Fred and Stan nod)


FRANK: I went to see the ex- hibition. Fantastic! And ad- mission was free. Best couple of hours I’ve spent for a long time. You should go along.


STAN and FRED in unison (mumbled): We will (Awkward silence)


FRED: Your round Frank. (With apologies to any Fred,


Stan or Frank who reads this – names have been changed)


• The Artes Mundi exhibi- tion runs at the National Museum,Chapter Arts Centre and Ffotogallery in Penarth until February 22nd. Fred and Stan may see you there.


opened my eyes to the care and compassion of others that want to help prisoners rehabilitate. “Thank you.” The “Illumination” exhibi-


tion ties in closely with the other boundary-breaking pro- jects and events taking place at the centre this spring, all of which have women at their heart. These include an all-female


version of Richard III (Feb 10-23), Man to Man (March 20-27), a Wales Millennium Centre production touching on themes of identity, gen- der and Women of the World Caerdydd, a festival celebrat- ing, provoking and express- ing female achievements, struggles and future chal- lenges (Mar 20-21). The first Koestler Awards exhibition to come to Wales Millennium Centre was the “Secure” exhibition in 2013, which was also curated by of- fenders from HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Parc.


“Illumination” is at Wales Millennium Centre from Feb- ruary 6 – April 13. Entry to the exhibition is free for all.


5 Culture


Build your own piece of live art


THIS February half-term, Wales Millennium Centre will be inviting you to become a resident of Cardiff’s smallest suburb. Owning a home becomes a glorious cardboard reality, with neat streets and magnolia hous- es just waiting to be turned into homes. The Glanfa foyer of the centre will be transformed into a brand new town with streets and houses of the public’s very own creation. On arrival, families can select


a flat-packed house to turn into their own cardboard home. To help residents settle in, the community will have its very own councillor and postman and there’s even a local radio station and notice board so resi- dents can keep up to date with local news and gossip. Artistic director at the cen-


tre, Graeme Farrow, said: “This project is a fantastic way of bringing people together to create a piece of live art in a unique way. As well as creating something spectacular to look at, the installation will be an in- teractive play area for children, teenagers and big kids.” Home Sweet Home is con-


ceived and directed by Abigail Conway and Lucy Hayhoe. It is showing at Wales Millennium Centre from 16-21 February. For more, visit wmc.org.uk


Comedy Club 4Kids Wednesday 18th February 2.30pm


BeaufortTheatre, Ebbw Vale, NP23 5QQ


Ahilarious standupcomedy


show thewhole familycan enjoy! Suitable children 6+


Tickets£5


BoxOfice 01495 355800 www.blaenaugwentvenues.com


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