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CARDIFF BAY
Addiction through the eyes of artists



A number of Wales' leading artists are contributing works to a unique exhibition which was unveiled at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay on 21 September.

Dibyniaeth - Addiction will display new works by some of the country's finest creative talents including Iwan Bala, Ogwyn Davies, Elfyn Lewis, Carwyn Evans, Kathy Williams, Karen Jones and Dewi Tudur. Most of the artworks have been created specifically for the exhibition using the theme of addiction in the widest sense.

The exhibition, hosted by Dr Dai Lloyd AM, was showing at the Senedd until 23 September before embarking on a tour of other venues in Wales in January and February 2011.

In addition to the exhibition in Cardiff, a dance troupe from the University of Cardiff will present a dance inspired by the poem Negative Print by Angharad Jones. The group have chosen to work in silence to allow the audience the opportunity to read the poem as they watch the dance.

Proceeds from the sale of the artworks will be donated to The Living Room Cardiff Project. The Living Room Cardiff is a free, bilingual day-care centre that will offer treatment to anyone experiencing difficulties relating to alcohol, drugs (prescribed or illicit), or any other dependency. The first stage of this exciting new project will be officially opened in June 2011.

The story of one artist in particular who worked closely with an addict in recovery is particularly inspiring. Ingrid Pett composed a poem which was subsequently taken up by Ogwyn Davies as the inspiration for his particular piece. Ingrid Pett, said, "I would never have thought in a million years that something I had written would eventually end up as a piece of art on display in the Senedd. It is quite something and has given me an incredible sense of achievement. I hope my experience will inspire others looking for a way out of their addictions. There is light at the end of the tunnel."

Wynford Ellis Owen, Chief Executive of the Welsh Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs who sponsor the event, added, "I am very grateful for the support I have been given by these fantastic artists. I have been looking for a long time for a creative way to get the message of what addiction means and what it can do to people. I hope this exhibition will get people thinking and Ingrid's example is testament to what is possible with positive thinking and the right type of support."