A selection of the nation’s favourite artworks are touring across Wales as part of Celf ar y Cyd on Tour, an initiative to share the national art collection with communities and galleries across the country.

Around 20 pieces of art from the Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales collection will tour to Oriel Môn from 11 February to 14 May 2023.

Celf ar y Cyd on tour follows an Instagram vote held during the Covid-19 pandemic. While National Museum Cardiff’s galleries were closed in 2020, curators from Amgueddfa Cymru selected 100 artworks and shared them digitally via the @celfarycyd Instagram. The public were then asked to vote for their favourite artworks from the collection using the ‘like’ button. This helped produce a shortlist of their Top 30 artworks culminating in the exhibition which is touring to galleries across Wales.

From the most recent contemporary art to ceramics and photography, the selection reflects the rich diversity and experience of life in Wales. Artists include Thomas Jones, Betty Woodman, Adam Buick, David Hurn, Laura Ford, Elizabeth Fritsch and many more.

Celf ar y Cyd is a group of four projects which were developed to share the visual arts across Wales at a time when museum and galleries were closed to the public. Funded by the Welsh Government, the project is a partnership between Amgueddfa Cymru and Arts Council for Wales. As well as Celf ar y Cyd on Tour, the projects also include Art in Hospitals, the digital arts magazine Cynfas and a series of commissions which asked Wales based artists to use the museum’s collection to inspire new work.

Nicola Gibson, Visitor Experience Manager, Oriel Môn said:

“We are delighted to be working with Amgueddfa Cymru on this project. Not only is it fascinating to see which artworks have been chosen by the public, we are also thrilled to be able to make these wonderful artworks accessible to audiences outside of Cardiff.”

Dr Kath Davies, Director of Collections and Research, Amgueddfa Cymru said:

“The national collection belongs to everyone in Wales. This project is a starting point in our ambition to build a new sense of ownership and collaboration, and to ensure that art works can be seen in different locations across the country on a regular basis. The public choice has resulted in a rich and varied mix of work with something for everyone to enjoy.”

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, said, “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to provide funding support for Celf ar y Cyd. It’s great news that this exhibition – which has been voted for by the public – is now making its way around Wales. This is an excellent way for more people to see the wealth and variety of artworks at Amgueddfa Cymru and for this to be shared with communities across Wales.”

Oriel Môn is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm and admission is free.

Ends 16 January 2023

Nicola Gibson, Visitor Experience Manager
Oriel Môn, Llangefni, Anglesey
01248 724444 / 01248 752014 / NicolaGibson@ynysmon.llyw.cymru