Summary
This project brought together learners with additional learning needs (ALN) from Ysgol y Gogarth to create a vibrant and colourful mosaic artwork for installation at Llandudno Station. Through a series of weekly art sessions led by local artist Mel Roberts (‘Mazin Mosaics), learners explored the history of the railway and develop creative, practical, and social skills. The completed artwork will celebrate the local heritage of the Conwy Valley while providing a lasting piece of community art for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Aims and Objectives
Aim
To engage young people with additional learning needs in a meaningful community arts project that promotes creativity, social interaction, and local heritage.
Objectives
- Deliver twelve weekly two-hour art sessions for ALN learners.
- Support learners to develop artistic skills through the creation of a large mosaic artwork.
- Encourage socialisation and teamwork between learners, staff, and the professional artist.
- Increase learners’ confidence, creativity, and self-expression.
- Explore and celebrate the history of the railway and the Conwy Valley through art.
- Create a permanent public artwork for installation at Llandudno Station.
Partners and Delivery
Partners and Delivery
The project was delivered in partnership with:
- Conwy Valley and North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership
- Transport for Wales
- Ysgol y Gogarth
- Mazin Mosaics
The project was delivered over twelve weekly art sessions facilitated by Mel Roberts (Mazin Mosaics) with guidance and expertise. Learners used specialist materials and techniques to design and create colourful mosaics inspired by the beautiful Conwy Valley line. Sessions were adapted where necessary to meet the need and abilities of participating learners.
Impact
The project has had a positive impact on both participants and the wider community by:
- Increasing social interaction and engagement among learners with additional learning needs
- Providing opportunities for learners to develop creative, practical, and communication skills.
- Build confidence, independence, and a sense of achievement through participation in a public art project.
- Encourage knowledge sharing and collaborative learning between learners, teachers, and artists.
- Enhancing Llandudno Station with a vibrant community-created artwork
- Raising awareness of local railway heritage amongst locals and visitors
- Creating a legacy that highlights the talents and contributions of young people with additional learning needs.
Outcomes
- More than 40 young people with additional learning needs actively participated in the project.
- Completion and installation of a large mosaic artwork at Llandudno Station
- Improved learner wellbeing, confidence, and socialisation
- Increased community pride and engagement with local heritage through public art
