WINTER GARDEN - MISSION GALLERY
23 November - 04 January 2020
Tucked down the cobbled streets of Swansea is a pretty special place. Mission Gallery has an intimate space that hosts an array of exhibitions; in their own words ‘ Mission Gallery is one of the most inspiring spaces in Wales for the contemporary arts.’
This christmas the exhibition is called WINTER GARDEN. Featuring work by Eluned Glyn, Sally Hands, Mandy Coates, Diane Horne, Buddug Humphreys, Fflur Owen, Caroline Rees, Rhiannon Gwyn Lillemor Latham and me! “A craft exhibition that celebrates the rich colours and patterns of a cold crisp December morning. Of shortened days, misty starts and frozen fingers. The textures, colours and patterns seen within a frost-bitten garden are reflected here. From monochrome woodcuts and sculptural leatherwork to basketry and enamelwork, weave your way through and enjoy this tranquil setting. A quiet Christmas exhibition”
Swansea, you’ve got it all! Make sure you made your way to Mission Gallery to see my new mufflers, throws and cushions at this christmas exhibition.
Founded by artists in 1977 as ‘Swansea Arts Workshop Gallery’, Mission Gallery has since developed a national and international reputation for presenting dynamic and distinctive programming. Boasting a proud forty year history of delivery and a strong reputation for supporting and nurturing artists, Mission Gallery has taken artistic risks; showing ambitious, diverse work by established and emerging artists across all disciplines, from Wales and beyond.
Housed in a Grade II listed building in Swansea’s Maritime Quarter, Mission Gallery began its existence as a voluntary artist run body, evolving into a professional organisation funded by Arts Council of Wales in 2003. Governed by a voluntary board of directors, the management, programming and running is maintained by a small and dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
1868-St Nicholas Church, a non-denominational Seaman's Mission built by Benjamin Bucknall.
1977-Swansea Arts Workshop opened to the public as anArtGallery, including exhibition and workshop space. It was run by volunteers as part of the Association of Artists & Designers (AADW).
1992-Swansea Arts Workshop became an independent gallery.
1998-Swansea Arts Workshop adopted the name Mission Gallery. Promoted as a Crafts Council Selected Gallery.
2003-Becomes a revenue client of the Arts Council of Wales (ACW) receiving core funding for its exhibition programme, plus the first two salaried posts in its history
2008-Constituted as a not-for-profit organisation.
2011 -Mission Gallery receives an uplift in its core funding from the ACW.
2012-Acquisition of 1st floor of St. Nicholas' Church. A 30 year lease is signed with City & County of Swansea for the whole building.
2012-ACW funding for the remedial repair and development of the 1st floor into a dedicated education space.
2013-Mission Gallery undergoes a Feasibility Study funded by ACW to explore the possibility of a Major Capital Redevelopment.
2015-Mission Gallery receives significant ACW funding for two major projects; our flagship, cross county education programme, Criw Celf West and a National Touring Exhibition The Language of Clay. Both projects now guaranteed until 2019.
2016-Important collaborations, projects and exchanges developed with cultural organisations in New York and Venice, building Mission Gallery’s international work work through programming, partnerships and residencies.
2017-Mission is 40! Mission Gallery celebrates its 40th birthday with an exhibition and fundraiser with our Staff, Board, Volunteers, Friends, Partners and Artists.
