Cynefin

2023

‘Cynefin: culturally and ethnically diverse Wales draws upon the power of creative learning approaches and pedagogical principles used within the Lead Creative Schools scheme. It offers schools the opportunity to work with diverse Creative Professionals to explore the ethnic diversity in Wales, past and present and the contributions this makes to society and culture.’ – Arts Council Wales

I was a Creative Practitioner on the Arts Council Wales funded project Cynefin where I worked collaboratively with artist Mfikela Jean Samuel (https://mfikelajeansamuel.org) and teachers and students from Ysgol Friars, Bangor. Together we developed and delivered a project exploring the ethnic diversity in Wales and the history of the local area; including a visit to Penrhyn Castle to understand how wealth gained from the transatlantic slave trade was used to build Penrhyn Castle and invested in the local community. The project concluded with the creation of the ‘Cynefin Cwilts’ which explores the diverse backgrounds, cultures and personalities each student brought to the project, through mark making, painting, printing and textiles.