When talking to members of the public about ‘Cardiff Contemporary’ I found that quite a few were unaware of the initiative. Amongst those that had were aware of it opinions were mixed.
James Evans, 32, IT technician, Grangetown
“I had heard something about it, but I think it could be better publicised.”
Adam Bishop, 21, mobile phone salesman, Cathays
“I haven’t heard of it but it sounds like it’s a good thing for the city.”
Fiona Johnson, 38, financial advisor, Pen-y-lan
“I hadn’t heard of it, art culture is very important but I would be concerned about how much the council is spending.”
Stephanie Hughes, 26, photographer, Roath
“I’ve heard of it but I think the Cardiff art scene is already growing.”
Elizabeth Carver, 63, retired, Llanishen
“I think there are more important things for the council to be spending money on.”
Cardiff council has been attempting to increase the profile of the city’s visual arts through the ‘Cardiff Contemporary’ Initiative, but after several months has it been a success?
Cardiff Contemporary is a scheme developed in partnership between the city council and the visual art, design and architecture communities. Currently Cardiff is playing host to a variety of events organised by the initiative such as the Artes Mundi Prize and the Engage International Visual Arts Conference.
As well as events the scheme has sought to highlight Cardiff’s artistic talent through installations on buses, the sides of buildings, and even empty shop fronts. While the council has awarded specific funding towards certain projects, the majority of the festivals and galleries received funding from other bodies.
When talking to members of the public about ‘Cardiff Contemporary’ I found that quite a few were unaware of the initiative. Amongst those that had were aware of it opinions were mixed.
James Evans, 32, IT technician, Grangetown
“I had heard something about it, but I think it could be better publicised.”
Adam Bishop, 21, mobile phone salesman, Cathays
“I haven’t heard of it but it sounds like it’s a good thing for the city.”
Fiona Johnson, 38, financial advisor, Pen-y-lan
“I hadn’t heard of it, art culture is very important but I would be concerned about how much the council is spending.”
Stephanie Hughes, 26, photographer, Roath
“I’ve heard of it but I think the Cardiff art scene is already growing.”
Elizabeth Carver, 63, retired, Llanishen
“I think there are more important things for the council to be spending money on.”