Photo mosaic adds up to a city’s vision of culture
MORE than 2,000 people in Swansea have helped to create the largest digital photo mosaic in Wales to show their support for the city’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021.
Since the summer, the Swansea 2021 team has been out and about at more than 70 events taking photos of people backing the bid by writing what culture means to them on Swansea 2021 boards. All the photos have now been used to create what is believed to be the largest digital photo mosaic in Wales.
It is thought likely a decision on which of five UK cities will secure the title will be made early next month.
Now the team behind Swansea 2021 have said their own “thankyou”to all those who took part.
Tracey McNulty, from the Swansea 2021 team and head of cultural services at Swansea Council, said: “It has been fascinating to see and hear culture interpreted by thousands of Swansea residents over the last six months.
“We always wanted to give people a voice during our campaign and our digital mosaic has allowed us to do exactly that.
“Some of the most popular contributions to the mosaic have included Dylan Thomas, poetry, Welsh language, live music, diversity and Swansea City FC, whilst some of the more niche inclusions have ranged from beauty (in Taiwanese) to Instagram and David Bowie.
“Our team has done a fantastic job in visiting events and groups across the city, with more and more people coming forward requesting to be a part of our mosaic as the campaign has gathered momentum. It has also helped to grow our social media following to over 17,000, which is outstanding.”
To collect the photos, the Swansea 2021 team has been everywhere from Morriston to Mumbles, and taken in the widest possible range of cultural activities including pop-up theatre, vegan and street food festivals and inclusive rugby.
The culture boards have been seen at the Liberty Stadium for Ospreys and Swans matches, at art galleries for exhibition openings and student tours, the annual Mumbles raft race, among the crowds at the Swansea Triathlon and the Admiral 10K, and with members of the Chinese and African community.
Tracey added yesterday: “Whilst we have seen some wacky ideas about culture in our mosaic that kept us all entertained, it has also afforded us the opportunity to gain a broader understanding of what culture really means to people.
“We have also been able to explain to people that our culture bid is not just for a select few in Swansea, and should we be successful come decision day, we will strive to deliver a 2021 that captures the imagination of the whole city.
“We would like to place on record our gratitude to everyone.”
To see the mosaic visit Swansea2021 on Facebook and Twitter.