A NEW art initiative will celebrate the revitalisation of a much-loved seaside town, marking a fresh chapter following the completion of major flood defence improvements.
Ffion Pritchard, an artist and facilitator, is calling on up to 10 creative individuals from across Denbighshire to help design a mural as part of the Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl campaign.
With backing from the Rhyl Neighbourhood Board and Balfour Beatty – the team behind the East Parade redevelopment – the project aims to honour the town’s rich heritage while inspiring future generations.
Ffion, based in Bangor, is already working closely with local organisations, schools, and community groups. The goal is to create a long-lasting artistic installation that brings people together, using up to 60 pre-cast units set to be installed this August.
“Each artist will be tasked with creating a panel which represents the diverse, vibrant and creative communities of Rhyl,” she said.
“In addition to this work – which will be designed then printed on durable material, such as aluminium – we will hold workshops with schools and youth clubs to help create a thriving mural trail to reflect Rhyl today, reflecting on the past and its bright future.
“We want it to capture the excitement and progress happening in the town, which is a hive of activity with so many innovators, creatives, artists and young people.
“This will be a platform for them, a unique opportunity, so we hope to see a lot of engagement and enthusiasm for the project over the coming months.”
Ffion has a background in creative media and commercial illustration, focusing on themes like health, society, and “the power of storytelling.”
A University of Brighton graduate, she will soon begin a Master’s degree in Arts Practice: Art, Health and Wellbeing at the University of South Wales. Her experience includes working with diverse groups such as dementia support cafés, homeless shelters, and parent-child initiatives.
Craig Sparrow, chair of the Rhyl Neighbourhood Board, believes the mural will be a powerful representation of the £20m Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl regeneration strategy, which aims to boost local employment, upgrade infrastructure, and improve opportunities over the next decade, supported by the UK Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods.
Having grown up in East Rhyl himself, Craig welcomes the project and added: “As we begin a new chapter for the town, driven by the transformative action plan and timeline currently being drawn up by the Board, this is a fantastic project that will fuel creativity and passion in the area.
“It will also act as the perfect symbol for the next decade of regeneration and beyond, giving young people in particular a sense of ownership and pride in their community.
“We can’t wait to see what they and Ffion come up with, I’m sure it’s going to be incredible and really brighten up the seafront, bringing life to the promenade and a touch of colour to the vital sea defences constructed in past years.”
Balfour Beatty, working on behalf of Denbighshire County Council, oversaw the major flood defence works which included removing outdated sea walls and promenade features. The new layout has been widened and raised to offer improved shared space for walking and cycling.
A concrete-stepped revetment was also built to guard against flooding and coastal erosion, helping to safeguard more than 600 homes in Central Rhyl.
To learn more about Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl, visit the Welsh site at www.sirddinbych.gov.uk/bwrdd-cymdogaeth-y-rhyl or the English version at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/rhyl-neighbourhood-board. You can also follow @einrhyl and @ourrhyl on Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
Artists interested in contributing to the project can reach out via ffion@rapassociates.co.uk or follow @wal-ein-rhyl on social media.