Mx.D.P

What started as an idea to link creatives of the world to battle climate chaos, to give access to artists that would otherwise be marginalised and to make ‘Cool Shit Happen!’

Gwyl Cariad the ‘pilot’ festival is about to kick off!

This week is installation week, and it’s been amazing watching the enthusiasm and excitement build.

My husband passed suddenly last week, and I have his flu; combined with a nasty bout of sciatica and the rollercoaster of grief, I am at the point of mental and physical collapse. My only saving grace has been my family, friends, community and art.

My daughter Alice took ‘Gender Traitor’ (2024) to their display venue, Gayberystwyth Books. The owner, Pete, Alice and our curator, Issac, had fun at their installation! Pete remarked it’s the most boobage he’s dealt with his entire life!

Gwyl Cariad has become huge even though it’s only a ‘pilot’, with 50 venues, 60 artists and 40 volunteers.

We have restaurants, pubs, clubs, and bars that will hold events. The National Library has opened its collection to creatives and has put work into town. 

The Nation Gallery of Wales is bringing resources to us. The opening parade is on Saturday, which should be ok weather-wise. The Aberystwyth Arts Center has been amazing and is hosting a workshop weekend next week, which will feature workshops run by our artists. 

We will have a projection onto various landmark buildings around town from a photo marathon that will run for the first 2 weeks of the festival. Our ‘Big Wave’ aim is to bring art to the people and for the people to collaborate with the art.

I contacted a gallery further down on the Ceredigion coast (more of that in another post) and they have offered a summer exhibition for our artists in August and September, so the plan to expand the network is starting to happen.

What’s been amazing is an idea on a deckchair has become so huge… and it’s only a ‘pilot’.