The iconic tower of Aberystwyth Castle is set to be illuminated with the work of six local artists this month to celebrate the town's new cultural status. The projections, which focus on the theme of 'positive peace,' will run from March 20 through March 22.
The event is part of a series of free activities honoring Aberystwyth Ceredigion’s designation as a UNESCO Dinas Llên, or City of Literature. This prestigious title recognizes the area's inclusion in a global network of creative cities.
The project is a collaborative effort between Aberystwyth University’s Dialogue Centre and Big Wave-Ton Fawr’s Heddwch a Chariad (Peace and Love) season. It brings together academic and creative partners to celebrate the town's heritage.
In addition to the castle projections, three local bus stops are being transformed by artists Nicky Arscott and the collective On The Wing. Two of these stops are located in Penparcau, with a third situated on Penglais Hill.
The artwork for these transit hubs is scheduled to be revealed during the final week of March. This follows the recent unveiling of a bus stop on Park Avenue featuring images of the Welsh Women’s Peace Petition.
The broader 'Reading the Landscape' program organized by the university includes several community-focused events. Author Mari Ellis Dunning and a local artist will lead creative walks through the town on March 21 and March 28.
Residents can also participate in workshops focused on the traditional craft of book binding on March 21 and 28. A specialized land and language workshop for Welsh learners will be hosted at the Arts Centre on March 23.
As the month-long celebration concludes on March 28, a pop-up exhibition will be held at the School of Art. The day’s schedule also includes a poetry reading and book discussion at the Town Hall.
These final events are part of the Er Mwyn Dyn / Crying Out Loud town criers project. The entire program aims to cement Aberystwyth's role as a vibrant center for literature and the arts on a global stage.
