Local children envision Port Talbot’s future in vivid new murals

Children reimagine their town beneath the motorway

On Ynys Street, under the shadow of the M4, pupils aged 7 to 11 have transformed grey concrete into a canvas of colour. Through Swansea University’s Steeltown Storybook: Children’s Chapter, workshops encouraged them to explore Port Talbot’s history, identity and future — from clay modelling to podcasting and photography.

From flying cars to DJ aliens: visions of a brighter future

The children’s ideas ranged from Aberavon Beach and Taibach Memorial Park to dreams of steel museums, flying cars and even DJ aliens soundtracking the town’s future.

One pupil summed up the mood:

“We’d like the town to be more vibrant and colourful with painting under bridges and more graffiti projects, we hope that scientists will discover new colours.”

Local artists bring children’s voices to the walls

Turning those imaginative sketches into reality fell to local collective THEW CREW. Artists Ryan Lee Davies and Matthew Cole said they wanted the murals to reflect the children’s eyes: colourful, happy and full of pride.

“As local lads who’ve grown up in the community, we are grateful to have had the opportunity to take the children’s ideas and turn them into a piece of art that represents the past, present and future of our town,” they said. “We tried to make the murals as seen through the children’s eyes – nice, colourful, and happy, and we really hope everyone enjoys it.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBywhn_zZvo

Challenging the story of decline with colour and hope

Project organisers say the murals do more than brighten a wall — they challenge the narrative that Port Talbot’s industrial transition leaves little hope for the future. Swansea University researchers argue the children’s voices show a community that still sees possibility, not just loss.

The project was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Impact Accelerator Account and brought together schools, artists and community groups including Raspberry Creatives, Families First and Neath Port Talbot Council.

Emily Adams, History PhD candidate, said:

“By centring the voices of young people, this project has challenged dominant narratives about Port Talbot. Headlines sparked by the ongoing industrial transition would suggest a town without hope for the future, but over 200 local children have creatively shown that this is not their reality.”

Dr Michaela James added:

“The United Nations calls for all children and young people to have a voice on matters that affect them. I think this project is a fantastic example of what we can learn from listening to these voices.”

Jack Palmer, Co‑Production Officer at HDRUK Wales, said the children’s pride and passion for their home was “inspiring” and urged decision‑makers to take their suggestions to heart.

What comes next for Steeltown Storybook

With new funding secured, the team plans to continue amplifying children’s ideas — from tackling pollution to opening more youth clubs. And this November, the public will get a behind‑the‑scenes look at the project during the Being Human Festival’s Steeltown Schoolkids exhibition at The Art Space on Station Road.

The team has secured further AHRC funding to continue platforming children’s hopes for the future — from reducing pollution to brightening public spaces and opening more youth clubs.

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Homeless Swansea artist finds his spark thanks to Business Wales

With support from Business Wales, Declan Stuart, 33, from Townhill, launched Unleashed Creations from his in-home studio. The artist specialises in pyrography, a freehand technique that sees creators burn detailed illustrations and portraits into wood. 

Declan discovered pyrography while he was experiencing homelessness in 2022, and receiving support from the homeless charity, Crisis. After supporting him to find suitable accommodation, the charity suggested art classes could be a helpful outlet.   

Immediately taking to the artform, Declan discovered that pyrography could be more than a creative pursuit. He began exploring options to source commissioned work and ways to share the techniques he’d mastered.

Working with Business Wales, Declan explored options to create and market a series of classes that would allow him to teach customers to create their own pieces.

With support from Business Wales Adviser, Shahidul Islam, plans for Unleashed Creations started to take shape. Online seminars and courses allowed Declan to build skills in accounting, business management, promotion and marketing. Shahidul was also able to suggest potential sources of seed funding to facilitate Unleashed Creations’ launch.

Speaking on the support received, Declan said: 

“Art became a lifeline after personal challenges had left me in a difficult position mentally and financially from being homeless. I never expected it to become my profession, but after I sold a few pieces, it seemed like a natural progression.   

“I knew that getting Unleashed Creations up and running would take more than talent and passion, and Shahidul has been so helpful in directing me to courses that helped me bridge the gaps in my business knowledge.”

Shahidul helped Declan secure a Barriers to Start Up grant. This, combined with a Changing Lives grant he received from the charity Crisis, enabled an investment in tools that would allow him to run pyrography workshops.

Declan set up a website for customers to view his portfolio and social media channels to promote his services and host regular livestreams to his followers. The pyrographer has since hosted four workshops, created 15 original pieces for customers, and is completing a large project with the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea.

Business Wales Adviser Shahidul says: 

“Declan was so motivated to build a community space for people to create which is why I think Unleashed Creation has had such a positive reception in Swansea.

“His eagerness to build on his knowledge and continue to improve will no doubt help his pyrography business become a cornerstone of the Swansea community.”

Business Wales is funded by Welsh Government. For more information and support to help your business discover opportunities, and to speak to a specialist adviser, contact Business Wales. Visit www.businesswales.gov.wales/ or call 03000 6 03000. Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg – we welcome calls in Welsh.

#BusinessWales #homelessness #TheArtSpace #Townhill #UnleashedCreations