Spectacular Sun sculpture Helios lights up Swansea Minster for Arts Weekend

Visitors to the city centre church can step inside the glowing seven‑metre sphere, which uses detailed NASA imagery and surround sound to bring the Sun’s surface to life.

Immersive artwork arrives in Swansea

The touring artwork, titled Helios, has been created by UK artist Luke Jerram, whose previous astronomical installations include Museum of the Moon and Gaia.

Measuring seven metres in diameter, the internally lit sculpture is covered with high‑resolution imagery of the Sun’s surface, compiled from more than 400,000 photographs by astrophotographer Dr Stuart Green and NASA observations, with guidance from solar scientist Professor Lucie Green of UCL.

Each centimetre of the artwork represents around 2,000km of the Sun’s surface, allowing visitors to safely examine features such as sunspots, spicules and filaments that are normally impossible to view with the naked eye.

Sound, science and storytelling

The installation is accompanied by a specially created surround sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson, blending music with live NASA recordings.

The sculpture also highlights the source of the solar flares that caused the Northern Lights to be visible across the UK in May 2024.

As it tours, Helios collects personal responses and stories, while also acting as a venue for events ranging from choral performances to science lectures and wellbeing workshops.

Ancient myths meet modern science

In Greek mythology, Helios was the god who personified the Sun, driving his chariot across the sky each day. Jerram’s artwork draws on that symbolism while connecting audiences with the latest solar science and the cultural importance of sunlight across religions and traditions.

The project has been co‑commissioned by the National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Liverpool Cathedral, Old Royal Naval College and University College London.

Swansea Arts Weekend highlight

Swansea Arts Weekend runs on 11 and 12 October, with venues across the city hosting performances, exhibitions and workshops. The installation at Swansea Minster is free to view, offering a rare chance to experience the Sun’s scale and detail in the heart of the city centre.

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Michael Sheen and Russell T Davies headline return of Swansea Arts Weekend

The two‑day event, organised by Swansea Council, takes place on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October across venues in the city centre. Following the success of last year’s inaugural festival, organisers promise another packed programme of performances, exhibitions and workshops – all free to attend.

Sheen and Davies lead the line‑up

Among the highlights is an intimate 90‑minute performance with acclaimed Welsh actor Michael Sheen, star of Good Omens, alongside folk singer‑songwriter Martyn Joseph.

Festival‑goers can also look forward to an exclusive ‘In Conversation’ event with Russell T Davies OBE, the Swansea‑born writer and producer behind Doctor Who and It’s a Sin.

Tickets for both headline events will be released online at Visit Swansea Bay from the evening of 1 October.

Music, art and international talent

The weekend will also feature:

• Reggae star Aleighcia Scott on the Music Stage
• Luke Jerram’s Helios, a large‑scale art installation
• German artist Doris Graf
• Nigerian‑born Igbo dancer Ifemelumma Nweri
• New Media collective Limbic Cinema

Workshops for children and adults, plus thought‑provoking exhibitions, will run throughout the weekend.

Council: “A celebration of Swansea’s creativity”

Cllr Elliott King, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights and Equalities, said:

“Following the success of last year’s inaugural Swansea Arts Weekend I am thrilled to see the return of an event which not only showcases the work of Swansea’s thriving creative community but positions them alongside national and international artists.

“We’re delighted to have the support of two of our biggest local names, Russell T Davies and Michael Sheen, for this year’s festival.”

He added that Swansea’s mix of galleries, theatres and outdoor venues would provide the perfect backdrop for the celebration.

How to take part

All events are free, but some require booking. Full details of the programme and workshop sign‑ups are available at Visit Swansea Bay.

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We Are All Artists offered a dynamic mix of exhibitions, performances, and workshops across multiple venues captivating diverse audiences.

Swansea Fringe added vibrant music, showcasing emerging talent, while Olympic Fusion, choreographed by the Matsena Brothers, delivered an exciting performance at Museum Park. An exclusive talk with the actor Michael Sheen encapsulated the very ethos of Swansea Arts Weekend, talking about the need to protect our culture and creative industries.

The sold-out ‘In Conversation with Michael Sheen’ on Saturday 5th October saw the renowned actor share insight into his career, the state of arts in Wales, and the opportunities for creatives in South Wales and beyond.

Event attendees heard how the region inspired Michael for a young age, and even had the opportunity to ask questions of their own.

What’s more, the ‘Nye’ actor spoke of how he hopes to see the next generation of Welsh actors and creatives rising through the ranks ¾ noting that events such as Swansea Arts Weekend can play a vital part in inspiring people of all ages to engage with the arts.

Speaking after the event Michael said:

“I think it’s really important to celebrate what’s going on now [in Welsh arts]. We’ve got an amazing, rich history of the arts in this area, whether it’s performance or youth theatre, dance companies and orchestras.

“Amazing people have come from this area, so it’s really great to be able to celebrate that in an event like Swansea Arts Weekend.

“[The Arts] is not just a luxury’, or an add-on: it’s fundamental to who we are and how we live together, how we want to live together, and how to connect.

“There’s a lot in life that pulls us apart, and the arts are an incredible way for us to connect with each other, remind ourselves of what’s important to us, and, to point the way to the possibilities of the future.”

Councillor Elliot King, Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights and Equalities at Swansea Council, said:

“Seeing the success of the first Swansea Arts Weekend has truly shown us that there’s a keen appetite for more, similar events in the city.

“The art exhibitions and interactive workshops held across Mission Gallery, Glynn Vivian, Galerie Simpson, Volcano Theatre, and Elysium Gallery gave visitors the chance to learn new skills and enjoy taking part in creative activities, from pottery to photography, dance classes and crafting, and much more.

“Olympic Fusion, choreographed by the Matsena Brothers in partnership with community dance and sports organisations, delivered a spectacular performance that drew hundreds to Museum Park.

Swansea Fringe – across The Bunkhouse, Elysium Gallery, Hangar18, Hippos, Pinatas, HQ Urban Kitchen and Ty Tawe – also welcomed fans of music, theatre and comedy, supporting grassroots creatives.

Overall, it was fantastic to see people of all ages enjoying Swansea’s cultural and arts scene. To second Michael Sheen’s response, the arts are truly beneficial for community connection, social cohesion, wellbeing and identity.

“We hope Swansea Arts Weekend encourages people to visit our cultural venues year-round to reap the benefits of arts engagement, and that the Weekend has opened the door for more events like this in future.”

Swansea Arts Weekend was developed and delivered by Swansea Council’s Cultural Services, as part of its Culture and Tourism Anchor, funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Michael Sheen took no fee for his appearance, dedicating his time to support the creative sector.

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/10/09/michael-sheen-matsena-brothers-musings-music-and-more-swansea-arts-weekend-wows-crowds/

#MichaelSheen #SwanseaArtsWeekend

The event is part of the inaugural Swansea Arts Weekend and promises to be one of the weekend’s standout moments.

The 50-minute Q&A session will feature one of Wales’ most celebrated talents, Michael Sheen, who will dive into his experiences in the word of film, television, and theatre, discussing the inspirations behind his most iconic roles, his passion for the arts, and his life in the spotlight.

The Dylan Thomas Theatre holds a special place in Sheen’s heart, as it was here that he gave one of his early performances with the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre.

Returning to the venue now as an award-winning actor, Sheen continues to inspire audiences worldwide with his compelling portrayals of complex characters and his dedication to the craft of storytelling.

His most recent work includes his portrayal of Prince Andrew in A Very Royal Scandal, Nye Bevan at the Wales Millennium Centre, and bringing Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood to the National Theatre. His other standout performances include Frost/Nixon, The Queen, and Good Omens, to name just a few.

Beyond his remarkable acting career, Sheen is also known for his commitment to social justice and the promotion of the arts, making this event even more meaningful. His passion for fostering creativity and supporting the next generation of talent will undoubtedly inspire those in attendance. He will also discuss his early steps in the industry, providing invaluable advice for aspiring actors and creatives.

Speaking about the event Michael Sheen said:

“It’s a brilliant opportunity to celebrate and support all our local creative talent, whether professionals, community groups or passionate enthusiasts. We have such a rich, creative history here and it’s wonderful to be able to share it with each other and the world.”

The event is an exciting addition to the diverse activities happening as part of Swansea Arts Weekend, showcasing the city’s thriving cultural scene. As a passionate champion for the arts, Sheen’s conversation will offer unique insights and inspiration.

Councillor Elliott King, Cabinet Member – Culture, Human Rights & Equalities – at Swansea Council, said:

“Welcoming an internationally recognised actor of Sheen’s calibre to the Dylan Thomas Theatre will undoubtedly bring inspiration to the city’s creative industries.

“We are delighted that Michael has chosen to work with us to support Welsh arts, and we know the Q&A session will provide unique insights into all he has learned throughout his career.

“Swansea Arts Weekend is all about connecting people with culture, and In Conversation with Michael Sheen puts these aims into practice.

“Engaging with the arts brings marked benefit to communities and individuals, and we are thrilled to offer this opportunity to hear from an icon of the Welsh creative scene.

“We hope visitors and locals enjoy the event, and that it inspires long-term engagement with the arts and cultural venues here in Swansea and beyond.”

Swansea Arts Weekend is supported by the Cultural and Tourism Anchor at Swansea Council and funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. The Arts Weekend, running from 4th – 6th October, encompasses art exhibitions, workshops, new commissions, live music, comedy, dance and interactive classes.

For more information and to book free tickets, visit https://www.visitswanseabay.com/events/in-conversation-with-michael-sheen/

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/10/01/in-conversation-with-michael-sheen-comes-to-swansea-theatre/

#DylanThomasTheatre #featured #MichaelSheen #SwanseaArtsWeekend