Swansea BID is proud to be a Principal Partner of a new and exciting art project which will see local artists and businesses come together in a bid to raise funds and support for life-saving charity, Wales Air Ambulance.
Encouraging additional footfall to the City Centre’s retail and hospitality venues, while showcasing the eclectic and skilful talents of aspiring local artists, Castles in the Sky will be a unique public art event that is free for all to enjoy.
The event is set to launch in the summer of 2024, and will be the first of its kind hosted in the City, by community engagement organisation, Wild in Art.
The project will feature around 30 decorated ‘castle’ sculptures placed in various landmarks, parks and public spaces across the Swansea district. Each sculpture has been designed and creatively painted by local artists with themes that combine Welsh heritage, culture and history with vibrant modern art.
While the project is still a year away from finalisation, a handful of 6 selected turrets have already found themselves at home in the City Centre, offering a pre-event attraction for the people of Swansea to enjoy over the school summer holidays.
With castles sponsored by Swansea BID, Owens Group, The Ascona Group, Gower College Swansea, BDP Wales and Western Bay Adoption Service already erected, the micro launch gives visitors a sneak peek of the wealth of local talent they can expect to see during next year’s full public art event.
It is thought that as a free and fun event for all ages to enjoy, that visitors will be encouraged to head down into the City Centre and get involved with one of Wales Air Ambulance Charity’s most creative and ambitious fundraising campaigns.
It’s good news for our Swansea BID business owners too. With residents, art-lovers, families and even tourists from further afield all set to enjoy this immersive trail of bespoke castles, Swansea is set to capture the hearts and imaginations of all that get involved.
One local artist involved in the project is Barry John – an ex-Army veteran who has painted the Swansea BID sponsored castle with a captivating graffiti-style ‘Past, Present & Future’ theme which encapsulates the rich cultural heritage of Swansea.
Other castles include work from artists such as Marnie Maurri, Melody Angel and Keely Clarke, and are placed in popular Swansea destinations such as Mumbles Skate Park, St David’s Green and the Quadrant Shopping Centre.
Russell Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea BID says: “We are proud to be part of a vibrant project that showcases the wonderful rich history and culture of our thriving town. Swansea has such a lot to offer in terms of local artistic talent and it is fantastic to see businesses and the local community engage with the efforts of all involved.
“With Wales Air Ambulance being our highlight charity at Swansea BID, we hope this immersive public event is a substantial fundraiser that allows the charity to continue doing the incredible life-saving work they do.”
The mini teaser trail of 6 castle turrets is in place throughout Swansea until the end of the school summer holidays. The main event is set to take place in Summer, 2024.