Tackling poverty through culture

A special showcase is taking place of culture and heritage activities supported by Cardiff University as part of a Welsh Government anti-poverty initiative.

The Welsh Government's Fusion: Tackling Poverty through Culture programme was launched in 2015 to inspire young people and adults who would not normally have the opportunity to take part in culture and the arts.

The University's Strong Communities, Healthier People Transforming Communities project led the Cardiff Pioneer Area, building on existing cultural engagement work.

The project brought together partners such as museums and arts organisations with Welsh Government Communities First clusters supporting people living in the most economically deprived areas.

Residents in those areas – including north Merthyr and parts of Cardiff – have been taking part in activities, training and other creative opportunities to gain skills, build confidence and make new connections with other communities and cultural organisations.

The showcase at the University’s Glamorgan Building on 28 March will see an award presented to a group of men from Merthyr Tydfil for leading geocaching heritage trails between Merthyr and Cardiff.

Other activities featured at the event include a film/photography project about industrial heritage and energy change in Wales, a street arts project with young and homeless people, and an educational project using social media to promote literacy skills in a fun and creative way.