The Fane Art Club
FEBRUARY 26th 2018
£750 – MICRO FUND – FEB 2017
The Fane Art Club – established in 2014, has 12 members and it’s aims are to promote involvement in art, improve social interaction, self-esteem and confidence. It is the only art club in the upper Neath Valley based within the Glynneath Training Centre. They have regular exhibitions within the Centre that attract many visitors.
This is an enthusiastic and committed club, the 2016 exhibition was underway when we held a drop-in session at the Training Centre, so we were able to see the high standard of work and to view the comments book. The paintings were subsequently displayed in a local café.
One member suffered a stroke and finds art a valuable part of his recovery. The Club offers socialising opportunities for its members, but they are very serious about improving and developing their skills. They publicise their sessions on the GTC website, through word of mouth, leaflets and exhibitions
“We used the £750 as a contribution towards paying for a tutor to give a masterclass in printing and life drawing sessions. These activities form part of schedule each term for our members that includes regular tuition, open sessions, masterclasses when we can afford them and gallery trips. The masterclass funded by Pen y Cymoedd was excellent and drew in new people to come and join in. Members of the group and new people feel excited to learn new skills. Having activities such as this help to keep people engaged with the group but more importantly allow us to improve on our creative skills. This last term of activities has certainly sparked energy into the group who have come up with lots of new ideas and we are looking forward to the rest of the year.” Quote from Brian Morgan – Fane Art Club (based in Glynneath Training Centre
The Fund was established by energy company Vattenfall to benefit the communities hosting the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm across the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon Valleys. It exists to support local people, groups and organisations to invest in themselves, their ideas and their communities.
The Community Fund has a substantial annual budget that is index-linked, meaning it increases in line with inflation. As an example, this equated to around £2.5 million in 2025. The Fund will continue to support communities until 2043, creating long-term opportunities for growth, resilience and positive change.
The Fund is managed by an independent, locally based not-for-profit Community Interest Company. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with strong local connections and delivered by a small but dedicated staff team with extensive community engagement experience. We are here to help ensure the Fund delivers on the vision and priorities of local communities.
Over the next 10 years, the Fund is focusing on investment in people, places and businesses — helping the Valleys to thrive, driving bold ideas, supporting transformation and creating lasting impact for current and future generations.