The iconic legs that adorned the Span Arts building in Narberth for years have been given a long-awaited sit down!

As an innovative arts organisation, delivering high quality and a diverse range of music, theatre, comedy and voice events, alongside a wide range of arts and wellbeing projects across Pembrokeshire, Span needs to stays fresh and up to date.

As such, with some funding, Span has updated its appearance with a new look mural on the building.

“We have commissioned a Welsh artist to create a bold new statement about how the arts can change lives and something that reflects the diversity of our work,” said Clare Adamson Span Arts’ events and PR co-ordinator.

“The new mural plays with language and storytelling and is based on the work we do and on words, both in English and Welsh, selected from feedback from audiences and participants on what we do.

“The vowels have been edited allowing the words to still be identifiable through examination to enhance curiosity and prompt imagination.”

Port Talbot born Grant Radford is the lead artist on the commission, he explains why he applied for the position.

“It looked like an exciting project and an opportunity to do something a bit different, it was also a chance for us to try new techniques and branding representation,” he said.

“It’s lovely to come back and work in Wales and the weather has been great too!”

As ever when a project arises, Span Arts like to get people from the community involved.

One of its volunteers, Ellie, explains why she wanted to help. 

“Because I want to become a practicing artist I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to be able to say I have had some experience helping create a mural and working with an artist, seeing how the process works and learning about that.

“It’s been interesting; the process has helped me learn how to create my own murals, and hopefully in the future I can apply this into my own career,” said Ellie.

Using a vinyl stencil technique each word is meticulously stuck to the wall, all other gaps are blocked out with paper and the stencil is sprayed with acrylic spray paint, once the paint is dry, the stencil is removed to reveal a crisp and bold finish.

“We would like to thank Grant and his team for delivering such a bright, bold piece, also to our volunteers and to C & A Decorating suppliers for loaning the scaffolding,” continued Clare.

“Next time you’re passing why not have a look at what words you can spot!” she added.

The project has been funded by Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme and the Arts Council of Wales.