Pontardawe Underpass Mural Project
The team at Fresh Creative worked with Pontardawe Arts Centre on a bold public art project that aimed to transform the Pontardawe Underpass into a welcoming and vibrant space. Designers Ffion, Jenwar, and Mark developed the overall vision, while Ffion also led the painting process.
A Design Inspired by Past, Present, and Future
The concept for the mural drew directly from the theme “Past, Present, Future of Pontardawe.” To begin, local children joined in creative workshops that helped shape the ideas. Their input guided us toward a bright, colourful design that would both celebrate the area and bring light to the tunnel.
As a result, we created a flowing composition of bubbles inspired by the river that runs through Pontardawe. Inside each bubble sits a unique scene, including local wildlife, music, sports, buildings, and surrounding landscapes.
Celebrating Language and Community
On the opposite wall, the mural carries the words Croeso/Welcome. The children voted for this text themselves, and keeping the mural bilingual felt essential since so many Welsh speakers live in Pontardawe. This detail highlights not only the spirit of the project but also the cultural richness of the town.
Hands-On Involvement with Young People
During painting, we ran spray-painting workshops so the children could help create the mural. Their involvement made the project more meaningful, as they saw their ideas come to life while learning new skills. To ensure durability, we used spray paints, masonry paint, and sealed the work with anti-graffiti varnish.
A Brighter Future for the Underpass
This mural now brings colour, creativity, and a sense of pride to Pontardawe. It stands as a lasting reminder of how art can connect people, celebrate heritage, and brighten everyday spaces.
For a closer look at other community mural projects, visit our Fresh Creative Projects page. You can also find out more about local cultural events and opportunities by exploring the Pontardawe Arts Centre website.
