WHAT
ONCE
STOOD
 

FUNDED BY:

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A large-scale project delivered in partnership with Linc Cymru (Pobl Group) and supported by Arts & Business Cymru’s CultureStep funding, What Once Stood saw dynamic engagement with people of all ages in Neath Port Talbot. Working with local communities in areas where two derelict landmarks were being demolished to make way for new housing, Tanio identified concerns and needs of residents to process the change occurring on their doorsteps.Local people had reacted strongly to news of Lower Dyffryn School being knocked down, as the school had served the community for generations, and had only recently closed. The building quickly fell into disrepair during the COVID pandemic, and needed to be demolished. Tanio worked with residents to capture their memories of the school, and to transform them into a large-scale mosaic which commemorates life in Port Talbot as they see it. Over the month of August 2024, Tanio set up residence in Aberafan Shopping Centre and held daily creative workshops to build trust within the community, and to engage more deeply with locals. The resulting creative outputs, especially the mosaic, are a beautiful testament to the resilience of Welsh people.A similar mosaic project will take place for Caewern House, which is set to be demolished in 2025. A new mosaic will be created with the local community, and will adorn a new housing development to be built there