Gallery among best UK venues for family fun
A SWANSEA gallery has been shortlisted in an awards scheme celebrating those making an outstanding contribution to family-friendly arts and culture.
The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, run by Swansea Council, is listed in the Fantastic for Families Awards 2020 as among the best UK arts destinations that delight families.
At a time when Covid19 has imposed significant limitations on the arts and cultural sector, the awards scheme celebrates the wealth of outstanding creative events and spaces for families.
Those shortlisted are recognised for the outstanding experiences they provided for families in 2019.
Cllr Robert Francisdavies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “The Glynn Vivian, even at this time when it is temporarily closed, is a major asset for our city.
“It’s brimming with creative opportunity and potential, benefiting the wider arts and cultural sector in the city and region, as well as all Swansea families and visitors.
“Staff and supporters have worked hard through the pandemic to continue sharing enjoyment of the gallery’s exhibits through the web.
“I congratulate them on this national awards success. It further strengthens the Glynn Vivian as a nationally recognised venue.”
The Fantastic for Families Awards shortlist was announced this week.
The best family venue category celebrates the suitability of a venue’s facilities for families, the extra care it takes to meet the needs of a wide range of families and its provision of a high quality of experience for visitors.
Pre-lockdown Glynn Vivian family-friendly activities included: Halloween costume making and monster mash disco; a family festival day with explosive spinning wheel paintings, catapult art and robotic drawings; free family film screenings; Christmas card and festive wreath making; and maritime adventure and workshops in Arrrt on the High Seas, part of Swansea University’s Cultural Institute Being Human Festival.
Shortlisted alongside the Glynn Vivian in the
Fantastic for Families Awards are The National Maritime Museum, London, The Lowry, Salford, The Whitworth, Manchester, and Cast, Doncaster.
All organisations will now have their nominations reviewed by expert judges from the creative sector.
Winners are due to be announced in September.
Anna Dever, head of the Family Arts Campaign said: “It has been fantastic to see so many brilliant cultural organisations take part in this year’s Fantastic for Families Awards.
“I hope that by highlighting the UK’S outstanding creative offering we can help more families discover more creative opportunities and connect with their local arts organisations.”
Family Arts Campaign is an Arts Council England Sector Support Organisation and the largest, fully cross art form and collaborative initiative to support cultural engagement amongst families.