Latest news with #TŷPawb
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Popular Wrexham arts centre still struggling to make profit
The venue – a key part of Wrexham's UK City of Culture 2029 bid – has actually reduced its overspend year-on-year since over the last four years. Next Wednesday, Wrexham County Borough Council's Employment, Business and Investment Scrutiny Committee will consider the performance of Tŷ Pawb over the last 12 months and the venue's projected performance for 2025/26. Unless further savings of additional revenue can be found, by April next year Tŷ Pawb is projected to have overspent its budget by more than half a million pounds since 2022. Proactive measures to improve revenue at the venue include the creation of an income maximisation group which has tightened up Tŷ Pawb's financial monitoring and ensures opportunities to bring in new revenue are taken. In 2024/25 it brought in £23,513 and is aiming to bring in a further £22,000 this year. Market rents have increased 5% to keep up with inflation and the Useful Arts Space can no longer be used for free, with a charging framework in place and provision for eligible groups with external funding to use the space. Other measures to reduce the budget pressure have included the implementation of new venue hire rates. 'Tŷ Pawb is a vital and much loved community hub,' said Chair of Wrexham Community and Culture Trust Joanna Swash. 'Its diverse cultural programme of internationally-renowned exhibitions, performing arts, markets and family activities attracts local, national and international visitors to Wrexham City Centre. 'Tŷ Pawb supports many of the objectives of Wrexham's bid to become UK City of Culture in 2029. The importance of a thriving and dynamic cultural spacer cannot be overstated.' Investment is still needed at Tŷ Pawb which is contributing to the financial pressure. Investigations are ongoing into issues with the roof and the installation this summer of a new £63,000 car park management system to improve efficiency. Last year the venue spent £42,000 on roof patching, flood repair works and upgrades to car park lighting. The venue will also convert its Maker Space into a rentable retail unit, with its existing 'artist in residence' programme becoming a roaming role occupying vacant spaces as they occur. Tŷ Pawb's popularity continues to increase however, with footfall increasing 17% last year and its profile was raised in both the media and social media as it became a magnet for international media looking to learn more about the fabric of Wrexham society as the city's global reputation has blossomed. 'We are incredibly fortunate to have a vibrant and dynamic arts scene here in Wrexham, which Tŷ Pawb plays a pivotal role in,' said Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham University, Professor Joe Yates. 'Tŷ Pawb is one of the jewels in our city's crown and enriches the lives of our community.'
Business News Wales
21-06-2025
- General
- Business News Wales
WeMindTheGap Celebrates a Decade of Supporting Young People
Patron Sir John Timpson WeMindTheGap, a charity dedicated to supporting underserved young people in North Wales and the North West of England, has marked its 10-year anniversary with a special event at Tŷ Pawb in Wrexham. The celebration brought together current and former participants, trustees, funders, community leaders and supporters, honouring a decade of positive impact on young people who are not in employment, education, or training. Since its founding in 2014, WeMindTheGap has grown from supporting eight young women in its first year to now working with over 160 young people each week across the North West of England and North Wales. The charity, founded by Rachel Clacher and supported by Diane Aplin, offers a range of tailored programmes focused on life skills, coaching, emotional support and work readiness, all designed to help young people build confidence, independence, and brighter futures. Founder Rachel Clacher, co-founder of Moneypenny, reflected on the organisation's journey, saying: 'Diane and I started with one simple question—what could happen if young people who hadn't had the same chances as others were surrounded by love, care, and opportunity? Ten years later, we're seeing the answers every day.' The evening featured reflections from young people, known as 'Gappies', who shared personal stories of resilience, growth, and transformation—highlighting the long-term impact of the charity's wraparound support. Karen Campbell-Williams, Chair of Trustees, said: 'From supporting eight young people a year to walking alongside over 160 each week, the growth of WeMindTheGap reflects the scale of the need and the power of our model. We're proud of what we've achieved, but we know there is much more to do.' As part of its anniversary, the charity announced two new initiatives aimed at deepening its reach and accessibility: Discovery City: a gamified, digital platform co-created with young people, offering 24/7 access to personal development and life skills content. The Power of 10,000: a campaign to create 10,000 meaningful connections—personal and professional—for young people lacking the networks that often lead to opportunity. Ali Wheeler, CEO of WeMindTheGap, said: 'These initiatives reflect our commitment to meeting young people where they are—online, in their communities, and through sustained relationships. By creating meaningful pathways into work, education and independence, we're helping to build futures full of possibility.' Sir John Timpson, Patron of the charity, added: 'WeMindTheGap started as a brave idea. A decade later, it's a proven model that transforms lives through opportunity and care. I'm proud to see the charity's impact growing year after year.'
Leader Live
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Wrexham exhibition offers behind-the-scenes look at art
The showcase, titled Work in Progress, features the unfinished works of masters students and is currently on display at the Tŷ Pawb gallery in Wrexham. The exhibition runs until June 21 and includes pieces by students and staff from Wrexham University's School of Art. Dr Karen Heald, programme leader of the university's MA art and design suite, said: "When Tŷ Pawb approached us to exhibit, we were thrilled to be offered such a unique opportunity at this interim stage, and in the spirit of collaboration, we said yes. "This exhibition really centres around exposing the process when it comes to creating art, which is something most people don't tend to see." The exhibition features a variety of art forms, including paintings, ceramics, textiles, drawings, etchings, sculptures, films and audio-visual installations. Dr Heald said: "Typically, we only tend to showcase the finished artworks, whereas all the works being exhibited here give audiences a chance to see the development of these works in the summer. "Concepts created in this exhibition will therefore be refined, advanced and completed by our final year Masters student and displayed at their end of year show, taking place in August." She also emphasised the value of exhibiting at Tŷ Pawb. READ MORE: Construction industry experts launch new Wrexham branch Dr Heald said: "For our students, exhibiting in Tŷ Pawb is a fantastic opportunity, it is a contemporary gallery at the heart of our local community, which also has a national and international presence. " It is a truly fantastic space for the arts in Wrexham." Students will be in attendance every Wednesday and Saturday to invigilate the exhibition and talk to visitors about their work. Work in Progress is open to the public from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday.
Leader Live
20-05-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Free community events at Lend & Mend in Tŷ Pawb
Based at Tŷ Pawb (supported by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, Refurbs and Wrexham County Borough Council) they have released the first schedule of repair sessions and upcycling workshops. The upcycling workshops and repair sessions are free, hands-on events, and are a key part of Lend & Mend's mission to support Wrexham residents to save money, reduce waste, and build community through shared knowledge and sustainable practices. Whether you are fixing a broken toaster, mending a torn jacket, or breathing new life into an old piece of clothing Lend & Mend can help. Read more: 'There's always something special' at Wrexham's new Greek business, owner says The upcycling workshop start on Friday, May 30 from 11.30am-1.30pm and then will then take place monthly on the last Friday of the month. Join their first workshop to create upcycled home decorations. Charming door hangings or artworks using repurposed materials for a personalised touch. Other session includes: • Afternoon tea - cake tiers • Lampshade garden mobiles • Backpack bling • Clock upcycle • Visible mending Make cake stands with upcycling. Repair sessions start on Saturday, June 14, from 11am. Bring in small household items in need of repair and work alongside experienced volunteers to fix them. Learn useful repair skills while keeping items out of landfill. Repair session will then take place monthly on the second Saturday of the month. All sessions will take place at Tŷ Pawb, in the new Lend & Mend community space. No experience is necessary; tools (and materials for workshops) will be provided. Read more: Hundreds of jigsaws available to loan from Chirk Library Residents are encouraged to bring items for repair, sign up for a workshop, or just drop in and learn more about what Lend & Mend has to offer. Sessions are free, but spaces are limited, registered your attendance via the Eventbrite page online here: Lend & Mend is also looking for volunteers with repair or crafting skills or just a passion for community to help deliver these sessions. Whether you are a tinkerer, a sewer, or a DIY enthusiast, there is an opportunity for you to get involved. Contact them through Facebook - @LendandMendTyPawb, email info@ call 07521 428718 or visit
Leader Live
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Art trail launch as Wrexham aims for UK City of Culture 2029
The city has officially launched a new trail of striking art installations as part of Wrecsam2029, its UK City of Culture 2029 bid. The project, coordinated by local artist Liam Stokes-Massey, features 14 striking murals across the city centre that form a new 'open air gallery'. The aim of the trail is to showcase the work of local artists and celebrate Wrexham's rich heritage, industries and creative identity ahead of the UK City of Culture 2029 bid process opening later this year. If successful, Wrexham will be the first Welsh destination to be named as a UK City of Culture. Read more: Launch of Wrexham Lend and Mend hub ahead of May opening The project has been a culmination of months of work by the artists, including local talent and renowned mural creator collectives such as MurWalls and Blank Walls. Four pre-existing football murals have been used as a basis for the trail and are joined by a further seven new commissioned pieces of art themed around Wrexham's history, industries and markets. Wrexham Public Art Trail map. The murals are placed in diverse sites across the city, from the side of local pubs to car parks and shopping centres. Many of the buildings chosen as locations are poignant community landmarks, such as Tŷ Pawb market, arts and culture centre and the charity shop of Nightingale House Hospice, which has been providing specialist palliative care to Wrexham residents for three decades. Read more: Walkabout Wrexham Festival returns following overwhelming success last year Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Morgan Thomas, Culture Bid Coordinator for Wrecsam2029 said: "Thanks to all of the wonderful local artists, Wrexham's city centre has been revitalised with artworks that authentically reflect the city's distinct culture and heritage." He added: "It simply wouldn't have been possible without the invaluable contributions of Liam Stokes-Massey, who coordinated the trail and the businesses that provided wall space for the artworks." Thomas also expressed anticipation for the addition of more artworks to the city centre in the future. Read more: Wrexham band The Royston Club's first single of 2025 inspired by a love story In recent months Wrexham has been gaining national and international recognition for its unique community identity. Following Wrexham AFC's global rise to fame on Welcome to Wrexham and Wrexham's recently granted city status, this project further cements its growing reputation as a cultural destination. Crucially, the art trail allows Wrexham to showcase its rich cultural landscape beyond football. Wrexham invites visitors to experience the trail for themselves, using the dedicated map to explore Wrexham's new open air gallery that portrays the city's past while also seeking to shape its cultural future. • The project is strongly supported by Wrexham City of Culture and the WCBC City Centre and Arts teams.
