In 2023, Pontardawe Town Council secured a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant from Neath Port Talbot County Council to complete a street art heritage project for the town. The aim of the project was to highlight and celebrate the heritage and beauty of the Pontardawe town area.
Pontardawe Town Councillors held workshops with pupils from three local primary schools –Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe, Llangiwg Primary School and Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Trebannws. They also organised drop-in sessions for residents at two of the town’s community centres, the Pontardawe Heritage Centre and Canolfan Gymraeg Ty’r Gwrhyd, in addition to seeking the views of the Swansea Valley Historical Society members. The discussions at these workshops looked to identify key landmarks, individuals, and other aspects of the area’s heritage that reflect and highlight the culture and legacy of Pontardawe. Based on these discussions, a brief outlining the most popular heritage landmarks identified was then supplied to Fresh Creative Co to draw up designs and work started in January 2024 to paint the boxes and benches. Eight Openreach cabinets and three benches have since been painted with striking original artworks.
We hope the street art will bring some colour and vibrancy to the area, that they will provide a talking point and will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
To provide further information on these landmarks for visitors and residents alike, here are some brief notes that have been prepared, and we’re grateful to members of the Swansea Valley Historical Society for ensuring their accuracy.
Click on the links for photographs and locations.