Reflections on the Create: Community Champions Printmaking Project

Since January 2025, Inside Out Cymru, Building Resilient Communities Torfaen and our local venues have been on a creative journey, running 12 printmaking sessions at Gwent House in Cwmbran, 12 at Torfaen Museum in Pontypool, and another 12 at Cwmavon Village Hall. It’s been such a privilege to watch people grow in confidence, try new things, and discover the joy of making art in welcoming, low-pressure spaces. We then returned to Torfaen Museum for a further 12 sessions, this time with a focus on helping participants explore what it might feel like to facilitate their own groups – sharing skills and ideas with others.

One participant said: “I had never done printing before, but now I am totally hooked – it makes me feel motivated.” Another reflected: “I didn’t know there were so many ways to do printmaking! I learned how to make new friends.” Others told us how much they valued being able to “get messy,” feel part of something welcoming, and even take inspiration from the printmaking process into their own lives.

What’s been most exciting is seeing how creativity is continuing to grow beyond these sessions. The sewing group has found its own funding to continue for another two years, with support from IOC and the council. Emma is now preparing to run her own after-school sessions, and Alethea has brought her design skills to the project in beautiful ways.

We celebrated all of this on Tuesday 19 August at Llantarnam Grange, with printmaker Bill Chambers leading a lively hands-on workshop. The day also celebrated the end of our Create: Community Champions Printmaking Exhibition at Torfaen Museum Café – a showcase of the brilliant, original prints made by participants that was held for one month. 

A huge thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey – what an inspiring community we’re building together!