The Trustees of the Bleddfa Trust are delighted to announce a merger with Sidney Nolan Trust, bringing together two well-established arts organisations on the Welsh/English border.  

Following detailed discussions, the trustees of both organisations recognise that there is clear and evident synergy between the objectives of both trusts, and that the merger will ensure a future for both the core values of each, and the legacy and buildings of the Bleddfa Trust. 

In a statement, Matthew Trustman, Chair of the Bleddfa Trust, said: “The Bleddfa Trust and the legacy of its founder, James Roose-Evans, are very precious, and their contribution to the lives of many in the local and not so local community over some 50 years has been significant. However, the rising cost of maintaining the buildings and activities of the Trust now necessitates finding a radical way to secure the work and spirit of the Trust for the future. 

“The trustees are confident that the merger will enable a continuing, active presence for the arts in Bleddfa, and will maintain and grow a valuable community resource. In merging with the Sidney Nolan Trust we are joining an organisation with a proven past track record, an ambitious vision for the future, and our shared passion for and belief in the mental, physical and spiritual value of the arts for all to share.  “

The merger with the Sidney Nolan Trust is an exciting development that will continue to nurture and support the creative spirit which has underpinned the work of the Bleddfa Trust over the course of its history.” 

The Chair of the Sidney Nolan Trust, Lucy Trench, welcomed the merger and said: “When he first set up the Sidney Nolan Trust in the early 1980s, Nolan’s vision was to create a place where contemporary art could flourish alongside music, poetry and drama.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees I am delighted that the two trusts have combined forces so that we can continue to build on Nolan’s extraordinary legacy to maintain a vibrant and thriving centre for the arts in both England and Wales.” 

From March 6, Sidney Nolan Trust will take over the ownership and running of the Bleddfa site, and the combined organisation will be called the Sidney Nolan Trust. The importance of the work of the Bleddfa Trust, and in particular its significance locally as a community resource in a sparsely populated area, are fully recognised.  

The Sidney Nolan Trust will continue to offer a supportive and engaging facility for both the local and arts communities at Bleddfa, and will work to retain the goodwill that the Bleddfa Trust has built up over many years. The merger will also allow the Sidney Nolan Trust to develop its ambitions for its main site at The Rodd, Presteigne, particularly in widening public access, developing artist residencies and in opportunities for lifelong learning across a broad spectrum of the arts. 

The boards of both trusts are excited by the possibilities arising from the merger and look forward to an ambitious, vibrant, artistic future for all at both The Rodd and Bleddfa.