A new Artist in Residence project in collaboration with the visual arts collective Arcade Campfa, The Vale of Glamorgan Council and Makerspaces.
Running through until June - with the support of Arts Council Wales - the project brings two artists into library spaces in Penarth and Barry to work closely with local communities.
The residencies will culminate in public launch events in June to showcase the artists’ final works.
The selected artists for this year’s programme are:
Dela Anderson – Print Residency - will explore themes of memory and place in the Vale. Dela said: “During my residency I will explore nostalgia for lost leisure spaces in Barry and Penarth. Engaging with local literature, archival images and oral histories, I’ll produce a risograph printed zine that reflects on our relationship to leisure and public space.”
Mab Jones – Makerspace Residency – will invite community participation through creative writing and making. Mab said: “Your Words Belong Here Too is a participatory poetry residency transforming community-contributed words into wearable text pieces and growing installations using reclaimed materials and textile techniques. The project will culminate in a celebratory community sharing event.”
The initiative highlights the leading role of libraries as dynamic cultural spaces, fostering creativity, collaboration, and community engagement through opportunities such as the Artist in Residency programme right across the Vale of Glamorgan.
Jordan Forse, Libraries and Cultural Services Manager for the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said “We are proud to be working in partnership with Arcade Campfa and Arts Council Wales to bring this exciting Artist in Residence programme to our libraries. This project reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting creativity at a local level and providing meaningful opportunities for people to engage with the arts in accessible, welcoming spaces.
“By working directly with artists, library users can take part in creative processes, share their own experiences, and contribute to new work that is rooted in the communities of Barry and Penarth. We look forward to celebrating the outcomes with the public at the final showcase events.”

2026 sees biggest ever Barry Island 10K and new women’s course record
Daring to Dream releases powerful charity single to spark conversation on emotional health
RNLI Visitor Experience Secures Its Future with 10-Year Promenade Lease
Senedd committees: What are they and why are they so important?
Meet the new Welsh Government cabinet: Who’s in, and what are their roles?
Barry Island Protest to Highlight Sewage Crisis in Welsh Waters
Barry and Billericay find a new voice through song to unite Dementia Communities across the UK.
Barry Town Council welcomes new Mayor for 2026/27
First Minister appoints his Ministerial team
Bride Travels to Wedding by Train on the South Wales Metro
Officers continue to investigate Park Road incident
Sell-out Barry Island 10k returns this Sunday
Six Vale beaches receive yellow and blue seaside Award flags
Conservative MS thanks voters for their support as he returns to the Senedd
Cardiff Airport backs aviation degree with on-site student training
National award for local PR consultant
A surfboard shop in Penarth could be a new bar with "potential" for future restaurant use