A WALES-wide programme that boosts mental and physical wellbeing by connecting communities with their local heritage has today awarded four grants to groups in Carmarthenshire.
Cadw – the Welsh Government’s historic environment service and The National Lottery Heritage Fund teamed up to launch the 15-Minute Heritage programme in September.
It was in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and awards of between £3,000 to £10,000 were available for applicants who could inspire people to take a greater interest in their local places.
Commenting on the announcing of the grants, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas said:
“15-Minute Heritage makes us realise that heritage isn’t just found in places we travel to visit, but is also in the streets and green spaces that are literally on our doorsteps. I am delighted that Cadw has been able to work with the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support so many projects that are finding new ways to connect people to heritage in every part of Wales.”
The 15-Minute Heritage grant programme is based on a concept called the 15 minute city where everyone can meet most of their needs within just a short walk from their home.
Staying close to home is something many of us can probably identify with because of our experiences during the pandemic and the 15-Minute Heritage programme builds on that.
It aims to help people strengthen the connections they have with their surrounding environment through ideas such as creating new walking trails; window displays; digital resources or interpretive panels.
The programme has also encouraged the groups involved to look at heritage through different lenses such as heritage between generations, ethnicity or a shared or specialised interest.
Andrew White, director of the National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales said:
“We’re all probably more aware of our local areas of late and local heritage – whether that’s a building, a landmark, a nature reserve or even our local shop, is important because it helps create and shape our communities.
“Connecting with our heritage is also good for our wellbeing and thanks to National Lottery players and our partnership with Cadw we have been able to encourage a diverse range of people right across Wales to get out and about to explore and re-discover their local area.”
“We’re very excited to have been awarded this grant that means we will be able to help people in Torfaen to benefit from the amazing natural heritage in their local patch. During lockdown, local greenspaces became important places to visit, exercise, connect with other people and with nature, supporting wellbeing.”
Oriel Myrddin Gallery’s ‘Hoelion Wyth Cymdeithas/Pillars of Society’ project has secured £10,000 funding.
Emily Laurens, Community Art Co-ordinator for Oriel Myrddin said: “This project will provide a safe space for debate about race, identity, and the experience of Wales as coloniser and colonised by stimulating conversations in Carmarthen around statues and monuments. The project will bring together residents, artists, students and historians using technology to look at heritage through a new lens.”
Full list of projects in Carmarthenshire that have received 15-Minute Heritage grants:
Laugharne Township Community Council’s ‘Enhancing interpretation and learning about Laugharne’s heritage’ project – £10,000;
Oriel Myrddin Gallery’s ‘Hoelion Wyth Cymdeithas/Pillars of Society’ project – £10,000;
People Speak Up’s ‘Square Stories’ project in Llanelli – £8,200;
Pembrey and Burry Port Heritage Group’s ‘Connecting the community with the Copperworks School’ – £6,500;
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