STRIKING new public art is helping to make visiting a city centre park and a top Swansea cultural venue even more fun.
Two large-scale murals have been added to the interior walls of the Copr Bay South car park, used by thousands who enjoy visiting the Amy Dillwyn Park and events at the Swansea Building Society Arena.
One depicts rock duo Royal Blood, the first paid-for ticketed band to play in the arena after its 2022 opening had been celebrated with the Housewarming, starring Welsh emerging and established bands. The House Party is now an annual event to raise monies for Music Venue Trust, celebrate grassroots music in the city, as well as the anniversary of the venue’s test events.
The other celebrates former Swansea novelist, social benefactor and industrialist Amy Dillwyn. The popular park on top of the car park is named after her.
The works – each more than 2.5m tall and around 8.5m long – were designed and painted by South Wales-based graffiti artist RMER in conjunction with Swansea business Oner Signs and Swansea Council.
The aim of the work is to improve the car park’s appearance, enhancing the experience of car park users and to create art that reflect the immediate area.
It’s designed to create a sense of excitement and anticipation for visitors to Swansea’s new and established visitor attractions.
Council cabinet member Elliott King said: “These eye-catching new pieces of public art make a visit to the park, arena and city centre even more enjoyable.
“They’re striking, attractive and reflect old and new Swansea in an engaging, creative manner.”
RMER said: “I loved working with Oner Signs and the council on this exciting commission.
“We came together to create something site-specific for the arena and park, both really great additions to the city.”
Ronny Oner, of Oner Signs, said: “We featured Royal Blood because their performance was the first paid-for ticketed event in the arena.
“So many people who park here will be going to a gig here so we thought they’d be excited by this image. It’s also a lasting reminder of the first headliner of many great gigs at the venue.
“Our painting of a modern actress playing Amy Dillwyn also works really well – and is a reminder that there’s a Purple Plaque in Amy’s honour in the park.
“We hope that our art helps to make arriving here – to visit the park or an event – a memorable part of the day.”
Elsewhere in the Copr Bay development, the council is working alongside contractors to complete the Copr Bay North car park and other finishing works. This follows the scheme’s original contractor going into administration.
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