Campaigners lose battle to save city art gallery

CAMPAIGNERS say 33 years of Swansea’s culture will be lost now controversial plans to redevelop an art gallery have been approved.

Sweeping changes to the Taliesin Arts Centre in Swansea University have been given the goahead, despite fierce opposition from campaigners.

The university will now replace the gallery, which was named after one of Swansea’s most famous painters and a contemporary of Dylan Thomas, as part of a major revamp, which bosses say are part of wider plans to “enhance the student experience”. The gallery closed last month. Save Oriel Ceri Richards Gallery campaigners say the university did not consult with stakeholders

Artist Shani Rhys James, once described as “arguably one of the most successful painters of her generation”, said: “I am very disappointed and concerned about Swansea University’s decision to close Oriel Ceri Richards. It’s so important to safeguard galleries and museums like this one.

“Once it’s closed, we have lost forever an important cultural source for students, school children and the general public. Ceri Richards is an important Welsh artist who, in his lifetime, achieved international acclaim.

“We should be developing a gallery dedicated to him not destroying it.”

Fellow campaigner and former Glynn Vivian Art Gallery curator, Robin Paisey, added: “We want to continue to be proud of our universities achievements but we’re bitterly disappointed at the sheer folly of closing this up-and-running, profitable, internationally recognised gallery.”

The full plans include changing the bank and bookshop, together with the gallery, into student facilities.