Past projects
Bypass by night wins photography challenge
A stunning nighttime image of the Church Village Bypass has won first prize in a photography competition for young people in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
James Perry, aged 15, of Bryncelynog Comprehensive School took the photograph of the new bypass for the ‘Your Community Through Your Eyes’ competition.
The contest was open to all young people aged 11-19 living in Rhondda Cynon Taf. They were asked to capture on camera what they love or hate about their communities.
James won a digital camera for his photograph of the new road. Runners-up were Billy Thomas, aged 17, and Owen Chant, aged 13. Billy and Owen were awarded a masterclass with photographer and competition judge, Darren Warner-Griffiths.
Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Cllr Robert Bevan, said: “Well done to everyone who took part. The standard of entrants was excellent and this competition certainly captured the imaginations of young photographers.”
The competition was overseen by Rhondda Cynon Taf Arts Development Team, within the Council’s Cultural Services division, as part of the Reach the Heights project. Reach the Heights is a Welsh Assembly Government initiative funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and co-ordinated by the Arts Council of Wales.
Summer Arts 2010
This summer period saw a fantastic, exciting and diverse programme of activity as part of the summer holiday programme. Offering young people many new experiences and the opportunity to participate and to meet new people. Workshops including Djing, breakdancing, graffiti art, drama, dance, ceramics, beatboxing and arts and crafts were made available to all young people age 5-18 living in Rhondda-Cynon-Taff. The Summer Holiday Programme has now become an ever evolving and positive service within the surrounding communities and Cultural Services are pleased to be part of this successful venture.
Arts Week
The Youth Arts Project and Disabled Children's team deliver Arts Week at The Muni Arts Centre Pontypridd. “Arts Week” is a school holiday arts project designed specifically for young people living with disabilities. The programme of activities we provide include Rock and Pop, Creative Movement, Patua Dance, Forum Theatre, Singing and Percussion and music therapy and ceramics.
"Thank you for a wonderful week, the difference you make to all our lives. We always feel full of Happiness and life after these activities" Jane and Katie Mustafa, Grandmother and granddaughter who attend arts week.
Live Band Photography project
Pop stars caught on camera: What have Pop pin-up Donny Osmond, Pontypridd rockers Lostprophets and Opera singer Katherine Jenkins got in common? They all feature in a new photography exhibition, showcasing the work of six talented young photographers from Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Josh Blisko, Leah Evans, Hannah Culverhouse, Owen Williams, Abigail Jeremiah, Laura Williams and James Foxhall all worked throughout the summer with professional music photographer Darren Warner in a Band and Live Performance Photography Project.
They took photos at events as diverse as rock festival The Full Ponty, featuring Lostprophets and The Automatic, and Donny Osmond’s homecoming concert in Merthyr. Their photographs went on show in an exhibition in the Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd, from Wednesday, October 10-November 10.
Liz Driscoll, Youth Arts Coordinator for Rhondda Cynon Taf Cultural Services, said: “This project aimed to support and develop tomorrow’s budding music photographers in Rhondda Cynon Taf, giving them a unique opportunity to receive first hand on-location training and mentoring.”
Young photographer Laura Williams, of Cilfynydd, said: "The project has been a great learning experience for me. My photography has vastly improved, especially from getting the opportunity to photograph Donny Osmond. Although I got completely soaked in the rain, I still came out with a wicked smile and some great shots!"
The project, for young people aged between 16-25, was supported by the Council's Youth Arts Project, which is funded by Fframwaith. The exhibition will go on tour to other venues in Rhondda Cynon Taf and across South Wales.
For more information contact the Youth Arts Co-ordinator or 01443 490208
