ON Saturday, October 7 Arts Alive Wales hosted a pop-up art exhibition in Crickhowell to celebrate the creativity of Young People in South Powys, marking the culmination of an intensive week of work alongside professional artists.

‘Criw Celf South Powys’ is a visual arts project for Young People aged 11-19 years who have a special interest or talent in art. Criw Celf is a pan-Wales project, with AAW delivering the project in South Powys. Criw Celf South Powys is funded by Arts Council Wales and Powys County Council.

Students from local schools are introduced to professional artists, makers and designers through inspirational workshops, studio and gallery visits, exploring different approaches to art and design. Morag Colquhoun, Allen Fisher, Matt Caines, Toril Brancher, Stefhan Caddick and Emma Posey worked with participants through a variety of mediums including drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, assemblage, public art, land art, film, photography, drone technology and sonic art. Visits to the Landmark Trust’s Llwyn Celyn, Presteigne-based Sidney Nolan Trust and Birmingham’s IKON Gallery added a further stimulating experience to the project, allowing the Young People to work outdoors and respond to the landscape, and explore the paintings of the late eminent Australian artist Sidney Nolan.

The aim of the project is to boost students’ artistic skills, knowledge and confidence, as well as encourage the pursuit of creative careers.

Over the course of Criw Celf activities, Young People gain valuable insight into the realities of working in the arts. The work they make during the project will contribute to their GCSE, A-Level, Higher Education and Further Education portfolios.

Welsh Government education secretary Kirsty Williams formally opened the exhibition at Arts Alive Wales’ studio in Crickhowell.

She said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for talented young people to work alongside professional artists and develop their skills. Young people are vital for the future of creative industries in Wales and the work was of a really high standard. I really enjoyed being able to open the exhibition and meet some of the students, and would encourage anyone interested to get involved.”

Artist Tessa Waite led an informal drawing workshop at the pop-up day during which guests were invited to participate in making a large-scale collaborative drawing. For more information about the project email participation manager Rachel Dunlop at [email protected] or call her on 01873811579.