Will the Commission explore the potential for the display of artworks of contemporary or enduring significance to Wales in the main committee rooms or other viewable public spaces of the Senedd building?
The Senedd runs a yearly programme of exhibitions across the three bespoke public exhibition spaces: Oriel, Futures Gallery and Curation corner in the Neuadd. These exhibitions focus on either raising issues relating to Senedd business or showcase Welsh excellence.
The set up of the committee rooms, including the predominance of glass windows, the need to avoid damaging the fabric of the building and the necessity to avoid interfering with business all have a bearing on what is possible.
In addition to the yearly programme across the three spaces, we also collaborate with the National Library to curate a body of artwork, changed every 18 months, for the Members’ corridors in Ty Hywel, as we do not own a permanent art collection.
In 2019 we commissioned Angharad Pearce Jones, a Welsh artist, to design two bespoke sculptures for the Senedd to enhance the visitor journey by informing visitors of who their Members are and what the Senedd is responsible for, and to complement the architecture of the building. The sculptures are accompanied by a video with the artist explaining the creative process behind the work.
In considering any proposal for further collaborations, the existing constraints must be noted.