Bringing Tyisha to life: Students collaborate on community mural project

Art and design students at Coleg Sir Gâr are collaborating with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Transforming Tyisha project to create vibrant, community-inspired mural art for the area.

The students, who are studying at one of the college’s Carmarthenshire School of Art campuses in Pibwrlwyd, want to engage with the community, residents and businesses to make this a truly collaborative project.

Murals will celebrate local history and memories, capturing the essence of Tyisha’s rich heritage.

The work also forms part of a course module called ‘engaging with an audience in art and design’ as part of a level three (pre-university level) course. 

Rebecca Sellick, art lecturer at Coleg Sir Gâr said: “We aim to make this a truly collaborative project by inviting local businesses and residents to participate.

“By engaging the community, we hope to foster a sense of pride and ownership in the murals, turning Tyisha into a welcoming and vibrant area for all.”

There are two locations for the murals which include the CETMA shutters which will celebrate local history and heritage, ensuring artwork resonates with local residents and reflects their stories. 

The second is opposite Home Bargains, where seven large boards will be transformed into an expansive mural incorporating patterns, symbols and narratives inspired by the local environment.

It’s a location which offers an opportunity to create a cohesive yet dynamic series of artworks that will enhance the visual appeal of the area.

Rebecca Sellick added: “This project offers students hands-on experience in public art and in return, offers something positive to the community.

“This is just the beginning of a long-term initiative to revitalise Tyisha and each year, new murals will be added with the goal of involving more local businesses and residents and together we ca create a cleaner, brighter and more inspiring environment for the community to enjoy.”

Cllr Linda Davies Evans, Cabinet Member for Homes said: “I’m delighted that through partnership working between Carmarthenshire County Council and Coleg Sir Gâr, this project is providing students with an opportunity to showcase their artistic skills as well as providing the community of Tyisha with artwork for all to enjoy.”